Abilities Short Breaks - Preston Road

All staff had received training about COVID-19, hand washing and in the proper use and on donning and doffing of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The service carried out monitoring checks of staff infection prevention control (IPC) practice and further training was provided when needed. This helped to assure the provider that people were protected and safe.

Staff and people receiving care had received all doses of the vaccine. Where possible regular testing was also carried out for people in order to identify any positive cases as early as possible so that people could self-isolate to reduce the spread of infection. The service confirmed they had contacted families to ensure they had a confirmed negative lateral flow test when visiting people.

The service had identified people at particular risk of infection and were supported to minimise close physical contact by way of social distancing or isolation when needed. Staff were provided with appropriate PPE, which met recommended national guidance to carry out their role safely.

During the pandemic the provider promptly communicated with staff, people and relatives. This and regular communication with the host local authority, public health teams, community healthcare professionals and managers from other care homes helped to ensure the home carried out good IPC practice that kept people safe.

The service had ensured there were sufficient supplies of PPE. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the service was able to reliably get hold of enough of the right PPE to meet people's needs.

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