Silk Court Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

There were clear procedures in place to ensure visitors could enter the home safely, with a requirement to take or show a negative lateral flow device (LFD) COVID-19 test before entering the home. There was a designated visitor testing area where relatives could enter via an external door. Relatives were given information about visiting and were kept updated about any changes in visiting procedures in the home.

Relatives were given information about becoming an essential care giver in line with current guidance. This ensured every person in the home would be able to have a visitor even if the home was advised to restrict visits in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

The service was taking part in regular COVID-19 testing for people and staff in line with current guidance. The provider was aware of new testing guidance that would be coming into place from the 16 February 2022 and had updated staff in preparation of this, with information displayed in the designated staff testing area.

We saw the provider was aware of their responsibilities regarding the requirement to ensure visiting professionals were vaccinated against COVID-19. As there was refurbishment work taking place during the inspection, this included building and maintenance contractors.

The provider carried out weekly stock checks to ensure staff had a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Staff had ongoing IPC training and there were helpful posters displayed throughout the home reminding staff about the correct way to wear their PPE. We observed staff following best practice throughout the inspection.

Staff were confident about the actions they had to take if there were new positive cases of COVID-19 in the home and how they would support people who had to isolate. There were discreet signs placed on people's doors to highlight their isolation period, with separate processes in place for the safe management of their laundry. One staff member said, "We know what to do and how to do it. I feel we are doing well to reduce any infections."

Staff told us they felt supported in their role and had been kept regularly updated with any changes throughout the pandemic. The provider had a focus on staff wellbeing and was aware of the challenging

periods staff had worked through since the start of the pandemic. A staff member told us wellbeing was regularly discussed, with access to counselling sessions through the local authority if required.

The management team carried out regular IPC audits, which included observations and spot checks across the home. The provider had introduced IPC champions to help ensure staff were following best practice and understood their key responsibilities.

The registered manager told us they had continued to be well supported by the provider, the local authority and a range of health and social care professionals. Their weekly conference calls included advice and guidance from Public Health and the local authority IPC team. The registered manager said, "It has been challenging but it is important we keep going."

The five questions we ask about services and what we found