Five Oaks

The registered manager and support team worked co-operatively with other people in their network, to ensure the spread of COVID-19 was minimised.

Robust policies and processes were in place to ensure infection control was prioritised in communal areas, and residents were supported to practice good infection control processes in their own rooms. Staff were trained in infection control management. The use of agency staff was minimal and only regular agency staff were used to support the rota.

Staff had received training on how to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and people were regularly tested for COVID-19. The building was clean and free from clutter. The environment was conducive to social distancing. Communal areas were arranged to enable enough space between people. Systems were in place to isolate people if required, to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Care and support arrangements were provided to those people required to isolate within their rooms. Additional cleaning of all areas and monthly auditing of infection prevention processes were carried out.

The service had good supplies of PPE which were readily available at stations throughout the service. Managers spoke positively about the commitment and dedication staff had shown in supporting people's emotional and social wellbeing during the pandemic and had awarded bonuses in their play to reflect this.

The service ensured that any risks of visitors entering the home were minimised. Visitors were asked a series of screening questions, had their temperature checked on arrival and were subject to rapid lateral flow testing.

We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines and had no concerns regarding the management of COVID-19.

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