Blackley Premier Care

The home had a separate entrance and room that could be used to facilitate essential visits and appointments, for example, by healthcare professionals, while limiting the contact with the rest of the home, staff and residents.

Staff supported residents to receive visits from their relatives outdoors (over the fence) using an appointment system.

Staff and visitors had access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitiser at the entrance of the home. Visitors completed a screening questionnaire and had their temperatures checked on arrival.

The home had an Isolation Policy that described safe practice, guidance and residents' rights, and an Isolation Plan that set out immediate steps to be taken if a resident tested positive.

The home had a pandemic-specific business continuity plan that was comprehensive and easy to read. It covered what to do in the event of an outbreak, staff loss, manager loss or lockdown, and also covered essential supplies, refuge, utilities, contractors and key contact details.

For residents who become fearful or distressed when staff undertook coronavirus tests wearing full PPE, another staff member familiar to the resident stood at a safe distance (not wearing a mask) to talk through the procedure and reassure the resident.

The home had an infection control champion among its staff group who oversaw infection control practice at the home.

The home planned to create a separate Covid-safe visiting unit in its conservatory as this had a separate entrance and exit.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found