Coniston House Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice. The home facilitated face to face visits, in line with government guidance. The registered manager told us this was essential to help support people's psychological and emotional well-being. Alternatives to in- person visitation, such as virtual visits, were also supported.

A 'booking in' procedure was in place for all visitors, which included a health questionnaire and evidence of a negative lateral flow test. This helped prevent visitors spreading infection on entering the premises.

People and staff were tested regularly for COVID-19. Staff employed at the home had been vaccinated, to help keep people safe from the risk of infection.

Infection control policies and audits were in place. However, the infection control practices did not reflect current guidance. This was in relation to processes for supporting people who had tested positive of COVID- 19.

Most parts of the home were clean and well maintained. However, we identified one part of the home that needed to be cleaned. Cleaning schedules and audits were in place to help maintain cleanliness and minimise the spread of infection.

Staff were trained and competent in infection prevention and control (IPC) best practices and how to put on and take off PPE. However, we noted there were no posters around the home to act as a visual reminder and prompt for staff and visitors on infection prevention and use of PPE. The home had adequate supplies of appropriate PPE. We have signposted the provider to resources to develop their approach.

The registered manager maintained links with external health professionals to enable people to receive the care and intervention they needed. Virtual consultations took place as and when necessary.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found