Glengariff Residential Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

At the time of our visit the service was at the end of an outbreak of Covid-19 infection. The service was working closely with the local authority, Public Health England and the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) infection control team to ensure their infection prevention practice was safe and people's needs were met. There was adequate access and take up of testing for staff and people using the service.

National guidance was being followed on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). There was clear signage on the correct use PPE and handwashing techniques. There was a plentiful supply of PPE and staff had received training in infection prevention and control.

Screening measures and visiting arrangements were in place to protect people from the spread of infection. A testing hub was set up and accessed from the car park where temperature and rapid lateral flow Covid-19 tests were taken prior to entering the premises. Visiting was pre-arranged.

Arrangements were in place for relatives to visit people and be with them at the end stage of their life. For others a glass pod with telephone intercoms had been purpose built within the smaller lounge accessed by visitors from the back of the building. The pod enabled a named visitor to have communication and a safe view of life inside the home. Alternative arrangements to visiting in person included video or telephone calls and weekly updates from the manager.

During the outbreak, isolation zones were implemented effectively using the third floor and a ground floor wing with dedicated staff. This enabled the outbreak of Covid-19 to be contained and prevent it from spreading throughout the service.

Clear procedures were in place from point of entry for admissions or return to service from hospital. People were not admitted without a negative test for Covid-19 and they are isolated for 14 days.

Staff wellbeing had been supported by home manager. For example, the introduction of a drop-in 'good to talk time' for staff with tea and cake to talk about anything other than work. Positive outcomes for some staff have arisen from the sessions. Feedback from staff found this very helpful and a decision has been made for it to continue.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found