Prestwood Lodge

We found the following examples of good practice.

● People and their family members had been consulted on how visiting arrangements should be implemented at the home, following the relaxation of restrictions in March 2021. Individual visits went ahead by prior arrangement, with the requirement of visitors needing to undertake a Lateral Flow test and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in line with guidance. ● Some people preferred their visits to continue in the home's 'Pod', an adapted staffroom, with glass screen, voice intercom and separate access, which minimised the risk of the spread of infection. ● People also kept in touch with family and friends using video and telephone calls. Relatives and friends were kept informed via a regular newsletter and emails. ● The registered manager and staff had worked closely with public health and infection control professionals to effectively manage an outbreak in January 2021. New PPE stations had been introduced and staff had received additional training to safeguard staff and people using the service. ● The home environment was clean. Staff completed regular touch point cleaning and deep cleans and the provider had introduced a room disinfection system to ensure the risk of cross transmission was minimised. ● The layout of communal areas had been reviewed to promote social distancing, whilst maintaining a homely feel. Changes had been made to staff breaks to reduce mixing and ensure social distancing could be achieved. ● Staff felt supported by the provider and registered manager and had been offered the opportunity to access counselling to support their wellbeing during the outbreak. ● The registered manager was in regular contact with the provider and took part in weekly meetings hosted by the local authority, to ensure infection outbreaks were effectively prevented or managed.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found