Newton Lodge

We found the following examples of good practice. There was a robust procedure in place to welcome visitors to the home. This included information about the requirements needed to be able to safely enter in line with government guidance. There was personal protective equipment [PPE] and hand sanitisers available at the entrance. Visitors were asked to show they had completed a COVID -19 lateral flow test, complete a health questionnaire and have their temperatures taken. Visitors including health care professionals were asked to show their vaccination status.

Newton Lodge had a garden room which was available for people to spend time with their family and friends. However, visitors were able to visit within the home as well, if they chose to.

People were supported to understand the risks from COVID-19 to ensure they were able to comply with measures to minimise the risk of infection to themselves and others, where possible. This included regular testing, the use of personal protective equipment and vaccination.

The manager told us that they had good links with their local GP practice and local community learning disability team, to ensure people were supported throughout the pandemic.

The provider had supported people to have a variety of meaningful activities during a recent period of time when they needed to isolate in their rooms. This included buying them magazines, jigsaw puzzles and additional activities.

There was an up to date infection prevention and control (IPC) policy. Staff were regularly updated with any changes to government guidance and procedures to follow, so they could keep themselves, people and visitors safe.

Staff completed IPC training and were observed to be wearing the correct PPE and following best practice. Regular cleaning schedules and audits were monitored and demonstrated they were effective.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found