Redfield Lodge

We found the following examples of good practice.

On our arrival we were greeted by a member of staff and asked to provide our Covid Pass to show our vaccination status and evidence that we had completed a Lateral Flow Test (LFT). All visitors provided contact details to support the track and trace system. Vaccination status was checked for all contractors and health and social care professionals in line with legislation that had come into effect in November 2021. Visitors were shown to the area of the home they were visiting, by the shortest and most direct route.

The emotional wellbeing of people and their families had been supported throughout the pandemic. Each person had been individually risk assessed to ensure visits were person centred. This helped ensure their visits were meaningful whilst maintaining everyone's safety. The registered manager ensured the current government guidance was being followed to support visiting in the home when there wasn't an outbreak. We saw various family members visiting people. One relative told us about their experience at Redfield Lodge during the pandemic. They told us, "You're not going to get any better than this, mum is safe and happy here, all the checks are great, and the staff are very good, I can't fault them". We later spoke with the person they were visiting, they told us, "I have been here four years and I feel very safe, I enjoy having visitors and seeing my family".

Should there be a Covid outbreak in the home the registered manager had ensured people had access to a nominated Essential Care Giver (ECG). This was usually a family member, but an alternative significant other would be nominated for those who did not have family. Enhanced risk assessments ensured this was managed safely and that all relevant testing and the use of PPE was maintained at all times. End of life visits had also been supported and respected so that people could spend time with those people who were important to them.

Staff welfare and mental health was paramount in ensuring they received the kindness and support they required as individuals, so that they felt valued. Staff recognised their responsibility to protect the people they cared for and how crucial it was that when they were not at work, they respected and followed government guidelines to reduce their own exposure to risks. The registered manager spoke with us about the continued commitment and team work from all their staff.

The home was exceptionally clean and there were good systems in place to ensure cleaning schedules were completed and that enhanced cleaning took place for regular touch points throughout the home. We met two domestic staff during our visit, and we remarked on the cleanliness. They clearly worked hard to maintain the standards in the home.

The providers workforce contingency plan had ensured people's safety and quality of care had not been compromised. People continued to receive prompt medical attention when they became unwell and relationships with health professionals remained strong. When people were admitted to the home, risk assessments were completed, and people isolated in line with current guidance. Social distancing was encouraged throughout the home. Where this was not achievable, staff were aware of the need for enhanced cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and people were supported to wash their hands regularly.

Audits were undertaken, and actions would be taken to ensure improvements were made if necessary. Staff had received IPC training and regular updates were provided. Spot checks took place to check staff understanding and compliance with the use of PPE and infection prevention and control practices. There was effective, supportive communication between the provider, registered manager, staff, people living at the home and their relatives.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found