Thomas House (St Helens) Limited

We found the following examples of good practice.

Visitors were able to spend time seeing and speaking with loved ones in various ways such as window visits, telephone calls and video viewing. People's health and wellbeing was regularly reviewed and the home had access to consistent support from one GP practice.

The building had been adapted to ensure good practices of infection prevention and control and maintain social distancing as much as possible. Tables in the dining room had been limited to three from six and people were served in their own rooms if they wished.

We observed many areas around the home where personal protective equipment (PPE) could be put on and disposed of safely to minimise the spread of infection. People were screened if they needed to enter the building and there was a specific room for visitors to wash their hands and put on or remove their PPE.

COVID-19 testing was undertaken three times weekly for staff and monthly for residents who were able and willing. There were process and procedures in place to manage positive results and we saw evidence of this at the time of inspection. There was a programme in place to ensure that staff and people residing at the home were vaccinated and a process to assess and mitigate risk if anyone declined the vaccination.

Stocks of the right standard of personal protective equipment (PPE) were well-maintained and staff used and disposed of it correctly. Staff had been trained in infection control practices and up to date information and guidance and support was provided by the local council.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found