Tremona Care Home

We found the following areas of good practice:

The home had purchased adequate amounts of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure that staff could protect themselves and people living in the home. Staff had received training with regard to donning and doffing PPE and were able to explain how they used PPE to protect themselves and to keep people living at Tremona safe. Used PPE was disposed of as clinical waste and was collected regularly by the contractor.

Currently visitors were unable to visit in person so staff had set up different ways in which people could stay in touch with those who are important to them. This included by phone, tablet and window visits. A visiting suite had been prepared in which visitors could meet with people using the service. This suite was currently closed but would re-open when local COVID infection rates reduced.

Cleaning schedules had been updated by the housekeeper in light of COVID-19 risks and frequent cleaning of high touch areas was undertaken by all staff, both day and night. The home had a large stock of cleaning detergents which had been checked for their efficacy in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Oversight of laundry was comprehensive and housekeeping staff demonstrated a good knowledge of the guidelines in place for washing people's clothing should someone test positive for COVID-19.

Staff spoke highly about the leadership approach of managers, clinical leads and staff from headquarters. All staff undertook both PCR and lateral flow tests in order to protect the people they cared for. Where staff tested positive, they were supported to isolate at home and the appropriate authorities informed. Where staff needed to isolate following guidance from 'Track and Trace', the care home supported people to do so and ensured that they continued to be paid.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found