Valmar Care t/a Locharwoods of Birkdale

We found the following examples of good practice:

• Staff were wearing the required levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) and they disposed of used PPE safely and in line with the relevant guidance. • Measures were in place to minimise risk, including staff changing from their outdoor shoes at the start of a shift and uniforms laundered in the home. • The home had a testing programme in place ensuring that people living at the home and staff were tested regularly. • Staff supported family and friends to safely visit their loved ones, including the use of a 'cuddle wall' outdoors in warmer weather. • Staff and people living at the home were supported to isolate when necessary. • The layout of communal areas in the home had been adjusted to ensure social distancing could be maintained. For example, chairs in the lounge areas had been moved further apart. • The premises were clean and hygienic. Frequent cleaning was carried out throughout the day. • The home sought the views of family and friends through a COVID-19 feedback survey so they could use this feedback to make improvements if needed.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found