Hillcroft Nursing Home Lancaster

We found the following examples of good practice.

Staff had received training to help ensure their knowledge on infection prevention and control was up to date. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control hand gel was available throughout the home for all staff and visitors. The registered manager and staff told us enough stocks of PPE were available and we confirmed this on the visit. One staff member told us, "We have never struggled here for PPE." A second staff member said, "Never struggled for PPE, it is all provided here."

The home was clean and hygienic. Cleaning schedules were in place with additional cleaning protocols to ensure all high touch points were regularly sanitised. One staff member told us, "There are no constraints on buying what we need. We have plenty [of cleaning products]."

People were supported to maintain contact with those who were important to them, in line with current government guidance. The provider had a visiting policy to guide visitors on their responsibilities to ensure safe visiting took place. Face to face visits took place in either a separate outdoor visiting area or within designated areas within the home. These visits had to be planned in advance. Window visits, video and telephone calls were also available and used to maintain contact with loved ones.

The home maintained close links with other professionals and if medical advice was needed, this was obtained. The registered manager told us, "We have contact with our local G.P weekly".

People living in the home and the staff were tested regularly for COVID-19. There were no staff employed who had not been vaccinated as is now required. The provider's IPC policy was up to date and had been audited during the pandemic to reflect best practice and current guidance.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found