Bidna House

We found the following examples of good practice.

Facilities were in place to wash hands or use hand sanitiser on entering and leaving Bidna House. Visitors were supported to wear a face covering when visiting, and wash hands before/after use. All visitors were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 before being allowed to enter the service. There was prominent signage and instructions to explain what people should do to ensure safety. Information was easily accessible on arrival and before visits to ensure visitors followed guidance, procedures and protocols to ensure compliance with infection prevention control.

The registered manager and staff team communicated with people, staff and health and social care professionals regularly to make sure everyone had an understanding of precautions being taken, and how to keep people safe. The service was following government guidance regards to visitors. Staff supported people to occupy themselves whilst maintaining their safety. People confirmed they felt safe living at Bidna House. Comments included, "I am very happy here and feel safe", "It is excellent here and the staff are lovely" and "The staff help me to do the things I like." Our observations confirmed that measures in place ensured people were protected from infectious illnesses.

Staff were following current infection prevention and control guidance to help people to stay safe. There were suitable risk assessments and an up to date infection control policy and procedure in place. The registered manager ensured staff understood why every measure was essential.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was readily available around the buildings. We saw there was a good supply of PPE for staff to use. Staff were observed to be wearing PPE appropriately and disposed of it in clinical waste bins. Whole home testing was undertaken, with frequency of testing people and staff in line with current guidance.

Staff had received vaccinations as a condition of employment. The service had a process in place to check any visiting professionals had been vaccinated and were testing for COVID-19.

Staff were in the process of refreshing their training to ensure safe infection prevention and control measure were in place. Staff knew how to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Infection prevention and control audits were carried out to ensure the premises was meeting infection control measures. A cleaning schedule for all areas of the service was in place and implemented to ensure the whole service was effectively cleaned on a regular basis.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found