Cragside

Effective systems were in place to ensure visitors to the service followed government guidelines for wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Facilities were available for visitors to sanitise their hands and put on PPE. Screening questions and a temperature check were standard requirements for all visitors.

Staff supervised all essential visitors to ensure social distancing and infection control guidelines were followed.

All staff were trained in safe infection, prevention and control (IPC) practices. We observed staff wearing appropriate PPE and sufficient supplies were available.

A regular programme of testing for COVID-19 was in place for staff and people who lived in the service. There had been a good uptake of residents receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

The environment was clean and hygienic. Additional cleaning was taking place which included frequently touched surfaces.

People were supported to maintain contact with their relatives in different ways including phone calls, window visits and video calls.

Staff knew how to respond to an outbreak of infection to ensure the safety of people and staff.

The provider's infection prevention and control policies and procedures were up to date and a monthly audit had been carried out. A Covid-19 business contingency plan was in place and had been followed. The management team were working closely with the local authority and clinical commissioning group.

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