Sainthill House Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

The service ensured people could continue to receive visitors in line with government guidance. There was a clear process and testing regime in place for visitors, with personal protective equipment (PPE) provided. A 'visiting hub' had been created where visitors did their tests, with up to date information and guidance provided.

People had been supported to maintain contact with the important people in their lives during lockdown, using information technology. A safe visiting space had also been constructed with a glass partition and intercom.

Staff received ongoing training in infection control. The registered manager was proactive in ensuring staff put what they had learnt into practice. They carried out hand washing audits and spot checks. A hand hygiene teaching aid used ultraviolet light to highlight any areas missed. They told us, "It's a fun exercise and staff engage well."

Staff were seen to wear PPE throughout the inspection. They frequently used hand sanitiser, available throughout the home. People told us the measures in place helped them feel safe, and they had got used to staff wearing masks.

Masks were a real barrier of communication for one person who was profoundly deaf. Staff had worked with a sensory worker to find ways to support communication. They used white boards and objects of reference, as well as body language. Staff had also learnt some sign language.

People living with a learning disability needed additional support to understand covid. The service sought specialist guidance. They used easy read information to help people understand how to tell staff if they felt unwell; why people wear masks and not to be frightened of them.

There were robust cleaning schedules in place. Their effectiveness was closely monitored by the team leaders and registered manager who carried out daily spot checks.

The provider ensured staff were well supported. They delivered welfare bags and did the shopping for staff

who were isolating. One member of staff with long covid had been redeployed to a different, less physically demanding role to support their recovery.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found