Brook House Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

Staff had up-to-date training about infection prevention and control (IPC), they had enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and we saw they wore this correctly. Visits to people in the home were facilitated through 'window' visits or visits in person such as for end of life care.

Systems were in place that promoted people's and staff's safety such as regular tests for COVID-19, completing a health questionnaire and being symptom free. The service had an IPC lead who provided staff with the latest guidance and trained them how to put on and take off PPE, and how to dispose of this safely.

Various changes relating to COVID-19 and the way people kept in touch with family members had been implemented including facilities for video and telephone calls and the use of social media.

The registered manager ensured that staff adhered to good IPC practise such as regular cleaning of frequently touched items including hand rails and door handles. Individual sealed containers were used to transport any potentially infectious items such as bedding and crockery to separate areas in the laundry or kitchen. People and staff were supported with their wellbeing such as, St Valentine's day homemade cards.

The service looked clean and furniture had been positioned to enable people to socialise but in a socially distanced way. There were plans and facilities in place to manage any future potential COVID-19 outbreaks. This included separate units within the home and having dedicated groups of staff who would only work in one part of the home.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found