Ridgecott

Visitors to the home were not in all cases wearing Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) in line with government guidance. The registered manager addressed this concern immediately at the time of the inspection.

At the time of the inspection decorating was taking place in communal parts of the home. This was making it difficult for staff and people to effectively follow social distancing and hygiene practices. For example, staff were not easily able to access hand-washing facilities. We spoke with the provider at the time of the inspection and they assured us that this concern would be addressed, and plans for on-going decorating in the service would cease at the current time.

We found the following examples of good practice.

The provider participated in regular COVID-19 testing of people, staff and visitors. This ensured action could be taken swiftly to reduce the potential spread of infection if a positive test was returned. Risk assessments were completed for all people and staff and additional measures put in place when people had been assessed at higher risk of infection.

The environment was very clean. Additional cleaning was taking place including frequently touched surfaces. Infection control audits were carried out. People were supported to maintain contact with their family and friends through the use of social media platforms and regular phone calls. When possible people had been supported to access the community safely with the use of face coverings and hand sanitisers provided.

The registered manager kept up to date with appropriate training in infection control. The registered manager ensured all staff had completed training to ensure they knew how to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The registered manager and provider ensured people living in the service, and staff, had access to additional support, including one-to-one meetings and contact by phone, to offer any emotional support needed.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found