Woodhill House Home for Older People

We found the following examples of good practice.

Staff were trained in infection prevention and control and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safely. We saw staff used the appropriate levels of PPE. The registered manager monitored staff wearing PPE to check good practice was followed. The provider had ensured sufficient quantities of PPE were available throughout the pandemic.

The staff team kept the home clean and hygienic. Frequently touched surfaces were cleaned regularly throughout the day to reduce the risk of infection. The registered manager took advice from appropriate specialists about maintaining a clean, hygienic and comfortable environment for people.

The registered manager had followed government guidance about visiting. They had supported window visits and outside visiting during the height of the pandemic.

The provider had supplied a robust 'visiting pod' in the grounds of the home to allow people to visit their friends and relatives safely. The registered manager had introduced COVID-19 secure indoor visiting and arranged COVID-19 secure activities for people to support their wellbeing.

The provider had arranged for regular COVID-19 testing for staff and people who lived in the home. They had also arranged for people who lived in the home and staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Staff had been trained in the use of Lateral Flow Device, (LFD), COVID-19 tests. They carried out an LFD test before each shift and knew not to attend the home if their test showed they were positive for COVID-19. This reduced the risk of staff who had no symptoms bringing infection into the home.

The registered manager had ensured staffing arrangements reduced the risk of infection spreading in the home. Staff were allocated to consistently work in specific areas of the home to reduce the risk of transmission of infection.

We observed the staff followed social distancing guidance while moving around the home. The registered manager had ensured clear information about maintaining social distancing was in place to guide staff and visitors. The home had large communal rooms where people living in the same area could meet safely.

The registered manager followed good practice around safe admissions when people moved into the home.

People were tested for COVID-19 before their admission and were supported to self-isolate for 14 days after they moved in.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found