The Clavadel

We found the following examples of good practice.

People continued to access the vital personal care and rehabilitation services in a COVID-19 secure way throughout the pandemic and were complimentary about the support they received. The management implemented robust plans to re-arrange the services in line with the national guidance to enable continued operation of the centre. For example, different care pathways were clearly assessed to include COVID-19 testing for people, social distancing and self-isolation plans. The physiotherapy support was individually tailored to people's circumstances so they could regain their independence as quickly as possible and at the same time being protected from the spread of infections.

Staff received a range of COVID-19 specific in house training which was refreshed every three months. This included competency based direct observations, as well as remote support to regularly refresh their knowledge via skills-based questionnaires and video sessions. The range of subjects covered effective infection prevention and control (IPC), correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and good handwashing practices. Staff practice was also regularly monitored during IPC audits. Staff told us they felt supported in their roles and could clearly explain how they adhered to the COVID-19 national guidance, for example when supporting someone with COVID-19 infection.

The provider allocated a member of staff who completed a specific course in mental health and supported staff wellbeing on an individual basis. Staff were encouraged to access nationally available care workforce support resources and information was easily available in staff facilities. Where staff would be at higher risk of severe COVID-19, the provider risk assessed their individual circumstances and supported them to shield. The provider also reviewed their staffing and re-deployed staff where necessary to restrict movement of the workforce between the services as per the national guidance.

The service environment was reviewed and re-configured to ensure good IPC practice, zoning and cohorting and safety of the people receiving support as well as staff. For example, additional therapy rooms were arranged in all parts of the building so people did not need to walk across for their sessions. Where needed, disinfected physiotherapy equipment was provided for individual use in people's rooms. The outside area was adapted for gait re-education and the hydrotherapy facilities were risk assessed for safe use in the pandemic. There was a spacious garden available to people with a dedicated outdoor visiting area. There was also an indoor visiting area accessible directly from the car park.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found