Tramways

We were somewhat assured that staff were using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) effectively to safeguard people from the risk of infection. PPE supplies were in place and staff were aware of how to use the equipment effectively. However, the registered manager and a senior staff member were seen to be in the office area without masks. We reminded the registered manager of the requirement for all staff to wear masks at all times in all areas of the service to mitigate the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. The registered manager immediately took action to address the issue. They instructed all staff to wear masks at all times and in all areas of the service. This was addressed with immediate effect. The registered manager also provided evidence of updating the current risk procedure, to include use of masks at all times for staff on duty in the home.

We found the following examples of good practice.

The service was clean throughout, and there were procedures to ensure any infection control risks were minimised. The communal areas had seating arrangements which supported safe distancing. Regular discussions took place between staff and people to ensure they understood the reasons for social distancing. People who had communication limitations were sensitively encouraged to safe distance by staff.

Infection control policies and procedures had been updated in line with the national guidance relating to COVID-19 and staff were provided regular updates to ensure they were following best practice recommendations. The training for staff regarding infection control had been updated to include guidance relating to COVID-19.

People had the choice to remain in their own rooms and use communal areas as they wished. Where people wanted to go out they were supported by a staff member and wore masks in the community settings. Staff had increased the choice of daily activities to support people who had their usual daily activities restricted due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

The service was closed to visitors in response to government guidelines. However, some people saw friends and relatives through external windows. Everybody had been provided with an electronic devise to enable them to communicate with family and friends.

Signage and information posters were in evidence at the entrance to the home to inform visitors of the procedures to follow. Plentiful supplies of PPE was in evidence at the entrance to the home and throughout the building.

There was a contingency plan in place to help manage an outbreak of COVID-19 including segregating the home to keep people safe.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found