St Ronans Nursing and Residential Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

The provider had implemented an external visitors' checklist which was completed before and following all visits. This included the completion of a screening questionnaire and health declarations. All visitors, including contractors and visiting professionals were by appointment only and the service ensured there was only one visit in the building at any one time, to help ensure social distancing could be maintained.

Individual risk assessments were completed for each person in relation to them receiving visitors. These gave clear guidance for staff on how visits should be managed to ensure safety for all. In addition, there were detailed and robust risk assessments in place to manage and minimise the risks Covid-19 presented to people who used the service, staff and visitors.

Safe visiting had been considered to allow people to stay connected to loved ones. A visiting pod had been put in place which included full screens, heating and an intercom system to help ensure safe visits. Virtual visits with loved ones had been implemented. Additionally, people were supported to stay connected to the community through digital connection. This had included, concerts from local schools and choirs, reading clubs and a Pantomime from the local theatre.

The care home was kept clean. Staff kept detailed records of their cleaning schedules, which included a rolling programme of continuously cleaning high touch surfaces, such as light switches, grab rails and door handles. We also saw communal areas were kept uncluttered so cleaning could take place effectively. There were appropriate laundry processes in place.

The service had an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet current and future demand. Staff were using this correctly and in accordance with current guidance. Staff had received training in relation to Covid-19 which included, infection control and use and donning and doffing of PPE. Staff infection control practices and PPE use was closely monitored by the management team, to ensure correct procedures were being followed.

The provider routinely tested people and staff for Covid-19. Staff had access to rapid response lateral flow tests (LFT) as well as standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.

The registered manager and provider had systems to ensure there was clear oversight in relation to infection prevention and control. There were robust infection control audits in place.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found