The Minstrels Residential Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

● Effective systems were in place to ensure visitors to the service followed government guidelines for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Screening questions and a temperature check were standard requirements for all visitors. ● Supplies of PPE including masks, gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser were readily available for staff. ● Staff were trained in current Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance and in the use of PPE. There were designated areas for donning and doffing of PPE and handwashing facilities were available. We observed staff followed current guidance and practice throughout our visit. ● A regular programme of testing for COVID-19 was in place for staff and people who lived in the service. The service was about to begin a programme of rapid testing to enable safer visiting. ● Enhanced cleaning took place daily. The environment was clean and hygienic. A ground floor room had been converted to allow safe visiting for relatives and friends of people. The room was well ventilated and had a purpose-built screen to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Visitors could access this room without walking through the main building. ● Regular audits to make sure staff complied with current guidance and practice took place regularly. ● 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. ● People admitted to the service were supported following government guidance on managing new admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found