Deerlands

Effective systems were in place to ensure visitors to the service followed government guidelines for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Facilities were available for visitors to sanitise their hands and put on PPE. Screening questions and a temperature check were standard requirements for all visitors.

Staff supervised all essential visitors to ensure social distancing and infection control guidelines were followed.

People were supported to maintain contact with their relatives in different ways including video calls and window visits. The service had installed a visiting pod with a purpose-built screen to reduce the risk of spreading infection. The entrance to this was separate to the home. The service had recently implemented a system to allow contact visits following government guidelines.

All staff were trained in safe infection, prevention and control (IPC) practices. We observed staff wearing appropriate PPE and sufficient supplies were available. The service had implemented a uniform policy to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

A regular programme of testing for COVID-19 was in place for staff and people who lived in the service. There had been a good uptake of people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

The environment was clean, hygienic and well ventilated. Cleaning schedules were in place and being followed.

The service's IPC policy was up to date and in line with current guidance. The service had plans in place and knew how to respond to an outbreak of infection to ensure the safety of people and staff.

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