The Cedars

We found the following examples of good practice.

Individual COVID-19 risk assessments were in place for people who lived at the home. These looked at identified risk for people and considered their health needs, visiting and going out into the community.

There was a visiting process in place to support people and relatives to conduct safe visits as and when required. This explained the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to people and relatives to ensure the correct guidance is followed.

There had been regular contact with families using video calls throughout the pandemic. As staff knew people really well, they were able to monitor the best times for relatives to make contact which meant a call could be set up at short notice or whenever the person wanted to make a call to their relatives.

External visitors went through a robust procedure prior to entering the home. This included a health questionnaire, PPE, hand washing, temperature checks and lateral flow test.

The provider had a detailed infection prevention and control policy in place. This gave guidance around what actions to take if there was a positive COVID-19 result. How people can be kept safe by zoning off the bungalows to prevent any spread of infection.

People who lived at the service had been supported by staff throughout the pandemic to learn and understand the changes this had made to their lives. How best to keep themselves and other people safe and why PPE was now being used within the service.

Staff had spent time developing understanding by using sensory based games or activities which they adapted to people's needs and level of understanding.

The provider had access to PPE and maintained a regular level of stock to be prepared for any potential outbreak. The provider also had a regular COVID-19 testing programme in place for people and staff that ensured they were kept safe.

The provider had robust cleaning schedules in place. Each bungalow had its own rota and high touch point cleaning which was audited daily. Equipment located in each bungalow was included within the regular cleaning.

The provider had supported people to obtain the first dose of the vaccination. Consent had been obtained from people and where people had been unable to consent, best interest decisions were recorded after liaising with appropriate relatives and healthcare professionals.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found