Tuxford Manor Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

The provider ensured people's visitors provided a negative lateral flow test (LFT) result prior to entering the home. Two indoor areas of the home had been designated for visitors. These were away from communal areas. People could also see their visitors in their bedrooms and using outside spaces. This helped to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

We observed staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. Staff wore aprons, gloves and masks when providing care for people and at other times masks were always worn. There were sufficient stocks of PPE within the home. When personal care was provided for people with COVID-19,. PPE stations were placed outside of their bedroom to enable staff to don and doff (put on and take off) their PPE safely. Staff uniforms were laundered at the home and staff arrived and left wearing their own clothes. This helped to reduce the risk of infection being brought into or taken out of the home.

People were encouraged to social distance wherever possible; however, it was acknowledged that some people, such as those living with dementia may find this difficult. Staff made allowances for this by continually cleaning touch points such as doors, handrails and tables to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. We observed the home was visibly clean and tidy.

The home had been closed to non-essential visitors following an outbreak of COVID-19. During this time, staff had worked hard to ensure the home was kept clean, people could still see visitors wherever possible and a daily testing regime was completed. Then home has now re-opened. The registered manager was proud of the work of their staff in minimising disruption to people's lives.

The provider had processes in place that ensured the safe admission of new people to the home. The provider also assessed the impact of isolation on people's wellbeing and measures were put in place to assist the most vulnerable, including increased time spent with staff.

Posters were placed around the home offering guidance and information for people and staff advising them how to spot the signs of COVID-19 and to help to reduce the risk of spreading it.

A consistent and stable staffing team was in place. Staff covered sickness, holidays and other absences. The registered manager was proud to have not needed to use agency staff to cover shifts during the pandemic. The provider considered staff members' wellbeing. A variety of initiatives were in place to thank staff for their support and to offer further support for their mental and physical wellbeing.

The provider had assessed the impact of potential 'winter pressures' and acted accordingly. Regular COVID- 19, outbreak and other related audits were carried out to help identify any areas of concern. Action plans were in place and reviewed.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found