Pilton House Trust

We found the following examples of good practice.

Visitors were asked to don/doff their PPE, sanitise hands, and carry out a temperature check in the lobby before entering the main building. Visitors were only permitted by prior appointment.

People and staff have been regularly tested to ensure they have not contracted Covid-19. Strict measures were in place to ensure people and staff would be isolated immediately if they had any symptoms of the virus, or if they had tested positive. Most people and staff had received their first Coronavirus vaccination.

People had coped well during the pandemic due to a positive staff group and a good range of activities to suit individual interests. Activities coordinators hours had been enhanced to cover weekends.

Safe procedures have been followed by staff to minimise the risk of transmitting Covid-19. They had good stocks of all personal protective equipment (PPE). There were supplies of PPE available around the home. Staff were seen using appropriate PPE. Staff had received training on donning and doffing and on the coronavirus pandemic from various sources including local health and social care professionals, e-learning and from in-house training sessions.

The home was clean and hygienic. Detailed cleaning schedules were in place for all areas of the home. All touch points were cleaned frequently including high touch points. Deep cleaning of all areas was carried out at least monthly. The home was well-ventilated.

The service was about to adapt a room which could be accessed externally to allow for visiting using a full screen. At the time of the inspection, visits had only taken place in the garden area or in exceptional circumstances within the home if the person was end of life care, for example. The service had also used technology to allow people to stay in touch with friends and family via video links, phone calls and regular email updates.

The registered manager acknowledged the staff team had been through a very difficult time and the trust as a provider were supporting staff to have regular time off, support and additional counselling if needed.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found