The Sidcup Care Home

All staff had received training on COVID-19, infection control and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). We observed staff wearing appropriate PPE throughout our visit on all floors. The provider told us they had access to sufficient supplies of PPE equipment. The home was very clean throughout. The home had a dedicated housekeeping team and staff also carried out extra cleaning of higher infection risk points such as handrails.

When people or staff showed symptoms of COVID-19 they were supported to self-isolate. Admissions policies and practice followed current guidance.

There were processes to reduce the risk of infection on entry to the home. The provider screened all visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory infection before they entered the home. Visiting professionals and contractors were also required to show proof of vaccination before they entered the home in line with guidance.

We observed visitors were supported with screening, testing and following the government's guidance on hand sanitising and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the home.

The provider was working closely with the GP, health care professionals, the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the Local Authority Commissioning Team and Public Health England throughout the pandemic. The registered manager and clinical lead commented on how supportive the local authority, health professionals and the local public health team had been during the pandemic.

The provider had a COVID-19 specific policy, risk assessments and contingency plans in place to support staff. These were revised promptly, as government guidance changed, to ensure staff had up to date guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were enough staff to meet people's needs. Where required dedicated agency staff were block booked to ensure they only worked at The Sidcup Care Home. The provider carried out checks on agency staff to make sure they had received training on infection control and they had been fully vaccinated. Agency staff were required to take part in the staff testing regime. Staff worked only on specific units to reduce the risk of infection spreading.

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