Merrydale Residential Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

There was a procedure in place to welcome visitors to the home, personal protective equipment [PPE] was available and hand sanitisers 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.

Staff knew how to keep people and themselves safe and reduce any risk of COVID-19. The registered manager ensured the most up to date information was available for staff and visitors, with accessible easy read versions for people living in the service.

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. The premises and equipment were visibly clean and in good order. Regular cleaning schedules and audits were monitored and demonstrated they were effective.

People told us they felt safe, were comfortable with staff and visitors wearing masks and understood it was to prevent the spreading of infection. People were encouraged to socially distance, whilst being mindful of the need for a homely environment.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found