Acorn Lodge - Croydon

The provider had a robust system in place to ensure that visitors and external staff entering the premises had their vaccination status and lateral flow tests (LFT) checked. The provider had additional spare LFTs available for those who were unable to obtain and complete a test prior to visiting (which would be required to be negative prior to entering the home). In addition, face masks and alcohol gel were in plentiful supply by the entrance and temperatures of anyone visiting were checked and recorded by a staff member. The provider had a contact-free thermometer mounted to the wall for such checks to be conducted.

The provider had implemented appropriate social distancing in all communal areas. For example, the sensory room, dining areas and living rooms had appropriately spaced chairs to ensure a distance of 1-2 metres between residents could be maintained. In addition, the provider utilised a separate side entrance that took visitors directly to a large and airy communal room in which visiting could take place, negating the need for walking through the home unnecessarily.

The provider had an admissions process in place. The provider told us that new admissions were nursed in their room until a 14 day period had passed, and three negative LFTs had been obtained over consecutive days.

Our observations during the inspection confirmed staff were adhering to personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing guidance.

The provider had ensured staff who were more vulnerable to COVID-19 had been assessed and plans were in place to minimise the risk to their health and wellbeing.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found