Huws

We found the following examples of good practice.

Government guidance was followed for visitors. Boxes of full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were pre- prepared with guidance for visitors, including how to put on, take off and dispose of their PPE safely. Staff were supporting people to have outside and window visits when possible and contact with family by phone and video calls.

Signs had been used on bedroom doors and communal areas to alert staff and people to any infection control risks. This helped staff and people take the right precautions when entering certain parts of the home.

Staff used their knowledge of people to support social distancing. This included supporting people to isolate in their bedrooms and providing and encouraging activities they knew people enjoyed. We observed staff communicating and engaging with people to maintain a calm and supportive atmosphere. This reduced the risk of COVID-19 causing distress for people.

Staffing levels were increased by one nurse per shift, this enabled nursing staff to remain in one building and support the same people. Changes in people's care was communicated electronically to minimise staff contact.

Government guidelines were followed for agency workers providing cover. This meant the registered manager had received assurances that agency staff were not employed to provide care elsewhere.

Staff and people using the service were supported to access regular testing. People were only admitted following a negative test result and isolated in their room for 14 days following admission. The persons support plan was updated to reflect their physical, emotional and social needs during isolation.

Both buildings looked clean, there was one domestic worker employed to clean both buildings over five days. When they were off work, domestic tasks were completed by care staff.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found