Appletrees

We found the following good practice measures.

There were measures in place to prevent relatives, professionals and others from spreading infection when visiting the service. The service had developed a visiting policy based on the current national guidance at the time of inspection. These were effectively implemented during our visit to the home and all visitors were screened for potential symptoms of Covid-19.

The service had several documents that were in easy read format for staff to use to help people living in the service understand about Coronavirus. For example, 'Coronavirus', 'How to wash your hands' and 'Coronavirus Vaccine Q&A' and 'How to support someone who is anxious about masks'. Staff said they had been useful in helping to share information with people. The homes' infection control policy was appropriate and there was a contingency plan in place.

The recent outbreak had resulted in a number of staff being unable to work. The action taken by the provider had ensured the continued operating of the service by block booking agency staff who only worked in the service and recruiting new staff. This enabled the service to provide a consistent staff team while being supported by management. Staff had regular testing and the provider had reminded staff about not car sharing and taking breaks on their own to minimise the spread of the infection.

Staff had received specific training including infection prevention and control, and hand washing. The registered manager had engaged effectively with external agencies such as Public Health England and the local Clinical Commissioning Group. Policies had been reviewed and updated in December 2020, including the provider's Covid-19 contingency plan. Staff had been asked to read and sign all updated policies, which most had done. The registered manager had taken action to ensure those staff who had not yet read and signed the updated policies, did so as soon as practicable.

The service continued to complete the whole home testing programme for people and staff, including weekly testing for people who used the service and all staff. Daily temperature and oxygen saturation level checks were also being carried out by the registered manager. People living at the service had just received their first vaccination injection and the service had a programme in place for the vaccination of staff, although not everyone had been vaccinated at the time of inspection.

The provider ensured there was ample supply of appropriate personal protective equipment, and we observed staff using this in line with national guidance.

Routine cleaning schedules had been enhanced with increased cleaning of frequent contact points, such as

doors, handles, handrails, and light switches. Although we received mixed responses from staff about the order certain areas should be cleaned, we were reassured that the enhanced cleaning schedule was followed.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found