Sharston House Nursing Home

Sharston House is a detached two storey Victorian property situated one mile from the centre of Knutsford. A large extension has been added to the existing premises to bring the total number of bedrooms to 48. The service had six beds called, 'Intermediate care' beds. They were operated with local commissioners to help people receive clinical support following a period of illness and admission in hospital. On the day of the inspection 48 people were living at the service. There is a car park at the front of the building. Assisted bathing facilities are provided on all floors. Staff are on duty twenty-four hours a day to provide nursing care and support for the people who live at the service.

We found the following examples of good practice.

The home had comprehensive policies and procedures to manage any risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the management of people with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.

A programme of regular COVID-19 testing for both people in the home, staff, essential carers and visitors to the home was implemented. All visitors, including professionals were subject to a range of screening procedures, including showing evidence of vaccination and a negative lateral flow test before entry into the home was allowed.

There was an ample supply of PPE for staff and any visitors to use. Hand sanitiser was readily available throughout the service. Staff had received updated training on the use of PPE and we observed staff wearing it correctly during out inspection. Clear signage and information was in place throughout the home to remind staff of their responsibilities.

Contingency plans were in place in the event that the staffing was affected by COVID-19, including arrangements for block booking agency staff to maintain consistency of personnel.

Zoning was in place and the home was split into four distinct areas to minimise risk of spreading infection. Staff members assessed as vulnerable were not required to work in areas where residents who had tested positive for COVID-19 were living.

Separate entrances to the building were used by staff and visitors.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found