Cotswold Cottage

We found the following examples of good practice.

On arrival at the home, staff checked the temperature of visitors and sprayed disinfectant on the soles of their footwear. Visitors were asked to provide evidence of completing a lateral flow (rapid result) swab test or they could have one carried out on the premises. Visitors were required to wash their hands after they entered the home and wear a face mask.

There had not been any positive cases of Covid-19 throughout the pandemic. Regular testing was carried out for staff and people who use the service. Everyone using the service had been fully vaccinated.

There had not been any new admissions during the pandemic. A risk assessment was in place in the event of anyone needing to return to the home after a hospital admission.

Enhanced cleaning practices had been introduced. Staff had received training on infection prevention and control. The risks of potential exposure to the virus had been assessed for all staff, considering health conditions and high risks associated with people from black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds. Arrangements were in place to promote well-being. For example, there was an employee assistance programme which staff could access and a Covid mailbox had been set up if anyone had any concerns or queries.

People had been supported by a consistent group of staff. No agency workers had been used to cover the home, reducing the potential for cross-infection. Appropriate self-isolation and testing arrangements had been put in place when staff needed to support another of the provider's services.

Supplies of PPE were available to staff throughout the premises. A business contingency plan and Covid-19 risk assessment were in place, to reduce the effects of potential disruption to people's care. There were policies and procedures to provide guidance for staff on safe working practices during the pandemic. Auditing and observation of care practice took place to ensure these were adhered to.

Staff had supported people to keep in contact with their families and facilitated face to face visits. The provider had kept families informed of the safety measures that would be needed if they visited the home.

There were a couple of areas where the home could improve its infection control practice. These were in relation to wearing of face masks and ensuring all areas of the building were kept clean.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found