Wendover Road

We found the following examples of good practice:

• Safe arrangements were in place for professionals visiting the service. This included a confirmed negative lateral flow test result, proof of vaccination against COVID-19, the requirement to show a COVID-19 pass, hand sanitisation and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Policies, procedures and risk assessments related to COVID-19 were up to date which enabled staff to keep people safe.

• All staff had received training and followed correct infection prevention control guidance and using PPE processes. The provider ensured a sufficient stock of appropriate PPE and there were designated notice boards available to remind staff about correct guidelines and handwashing techniques. There was a programme of training refreshers to ensure staff knowledge was kept up to date. Spot checks took place to ensure staff adhered to the training provided.

• The provider has assessed the impact of how PPE may cause fear and anxiety for people, particularly those who had limited mental capacity to understand the need for the staff to wear PPE. They mitigated these concerns using the COVID-19 risk management framework.

• The service was clean and fresh, staff carried out a number of additional tasks, such as cleaning of any regular touchpoint surfaces. Regular infection control audits took place and actions had been followed up when required.

• Staff had been trained and knew how to immediately instigate an enhanced infection control measures to care for people with symptoms to avoid the virus spreading to other residents and staff.

• The provider offered support to aid the wellbeing of the team, individual assessments had been carried out with staff to ensure any individual circumstances or health conditions were known and the support could be offered as needed.

• The registered manager reported good support from the local health professionals and the team at the provider's head office.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found