Elm Tree House

We found the following examples of good practice.

We were assured the provider and staff at the home had taken appropriate action to help minimise the spread of infection and help ensure people were safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff had received appropriate training and guidance in infection prevention and control (IPC) and they were observed to follow correct procedures in the use of PPE. There were sufficient supplies of PPE around the premises and appropriate areas identified for staff to safely remove and dispose of PPE. The home was kept clean and hygienic with regular cleaning schedules adhered to.

The service made effective use of available COVID-19 testing for both people, staff and visitors. Safe procedures were in place for admitting people into the home. Staff ensured newly admitted people were given additional support to maintain their health and wellbeing.

The service had safe visiting procedures in place to minimise the spread of infection. Due to the layout of the premises, visits could not currently take place inside. The registered manager and provider were in the process of reviewing this to look at ways to facilitate indoor visits. Staff reassured people throughout the pandemic and provided them with the support they needed to maintain regular contact with family and friends through the use of technology.

Staff followed shielding and social distancing rules and encouraged people to maintain social distancing where able to. Staff were allocated specific zones and areas to help reduce levels of anxiety and maintain people's health and wellbeing whilst safely cohorting people who had tested positive for COVID-19.

Due to limited space and entrance to the premises, staff had limited access to separate changing areas prior to the start of their shift. We provided additional guidance in relation to this.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found