Sycamore Hall

We found the following examples of good practice.

All essential visitors had to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, complete NHS Track and Trace information, have a negative COVID-19 test result and have their temperature checked carry out hand hygiene prior to entering the home.

People were supported to keep in touch with their relatives. Relatives could visit for a one to one face to face visit or use the indoor 'visiting pod' area that had robust cleaning procedures in place. For people whose relatives couldn't visit other options were available using technology such as video calls.

The home had ample supplies of appropriate PPE which was stored hygienically and kept safe. Staff were provided with appropriate areas to put on, take off and dispose PPE safely.

Social distancing practices were in place at the home, staff took breaks separately and when people used communal areas such as dining rooms and lounge areas, they were able to share these spaces safely.

The home was very clean and additional cleaning of all areas and frequent touch surfaces was in place such as handrails. These were carried out and recorded regularly by housekeeping staff. Additional deep cleaning was also carried out where required.

Staff completed online training and paper-based learning booklets provided by the local NHS infection prevention and control (IPC) team. Training included putting on and taking off PPE, hand hygiene and other IPC and COVID-19 related training and updates.

The registered manager carried out observations with all staff regarding safe use of PPE and hand hygiene. Staff were able to access designated IPC champions for keeping up to date with current guidelines.

The registered manager had quality systems in place to check the home was providing safe care. There was robust communication system in place including staff text massage group to speed up information sharing and ensure staff received consistent updates in relation to infection control policy and practice.

Staff supported people's social and emotional wellbeing. Meaningful activities were adapted and taking place in smaller groups. The home had used different methods including information technology to assist communication.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found