Urmston House

Urmston House is a purpose-built care home. People have their own self-contained apartment on the ground floor of the home. The apartments include an ensuite and kitchen facilities. At the time of our inspection there were six people living at the home.

We found the following examples of good practice.

Visitors were greeted at the entrance to the home and staff took their temperature and ensured they were wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Visitors had to leave their contact details as part of a track and trace and complete a health declaration and show a negative lateral flow test. Vaccination status was checked for all contractors and health and social care professionals in line with legislation that had come into effect in November 2021.

We spoke with three relatives who were very complimentary about the care and support that was in place and the way the staff and the registered manager had managed the pandemic. Relatives felt they loved ones were safe and there had been regular contact with them throughout the pandemic. Comments included, "Cannot fault it, it is a home from home', "Words cannot express our gratitude, the staff/manager are excellent and know (name of person) really well" and "Could not wish for anything better".

Arrangements for visiting were displayed clearly so health and social care professionals, friends and family knew what was expected of them to keep people safe. At the time of the inspection the home had an outbreak of COVID-19. The home was closed to all non-essential visitors. Relatives had been contacted in respect of being an essential care giver, which meant they could continue to visit during an outbreak to provide emotional support to their loved ones. People were supported to keep in contact with family and friends.

Each person had their own washing machine in their flatlet. This was good practice and enabled people to wash their clothes individually to prevent the spread of infection. Cleaning Schedules were in place that showed enhanced and regular cleaning of high touch points throughout the home.

The provider and registered manager had ensured that staff had up to date information to keep people and staff safe. The registered manager demonstrated a good understanding of the guidance to minimise risks in respect of the pandemic and had worked with the local authority and UK Health & Security agency (Public Health England).

All staff had received additional infection prevention and control training, which included the correct way for staff to put on and take off personal protection equipment. There was sufficient PPE and areas for safe

disposal of these items.

There were clear policies, procedures, quality assurance checks and contingency plans in place in respect of managing the pandemic and keeping people and staff safe. The registered manager completed a weekly audit on infection control.

People were supported with regular activities in the home and their local community. We also heard that three people had been supported to have a holiday last year and one person had celebrated their birthday with a steel band in the garden. A staff member told us, although the home was closed due to the recent outbreak people could access the garden to get fresh air. People had access to the garden from their flatlets.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found