St Katherine Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

People had been supported to keep in touch with their families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff provided support where necessary so people could phone or video call their families. Visitors were able to come to the service and they used a designated outside area at the front of the house. The expectations and procedures for visitors to the service were clear.

The service was receiving professional visitors to the home with robust infection control procedures in place. Visitors were received into the reception area on arrival where they were provided with guidance, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health screening was completed. Each visitor also had their temperature checked by staff on arrival.

The registered manager ensured they were up to date with the latest guidance and practice for infection prevention and control. They had developed policies and procedures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance and information for staff was clear with detailed safe systems of work for the home. Daily checks and regular infection prevention and control audits were in place.

Significant building and improvement work was underway at St Katherine's. The provider had cleaning schedules which were followed. However, on the day of inspection we noted some areas which were not clean and dust was seen in some flat surfaces.

Mechanisms in place to support staff, risk assessments had been completed with people who used the service and who were identified as facing higher risks. However, we found no risks assessments had been undertaken for staff who may be at additional risk. Following the inspection, the provider submitted evidence to confirm risk assessments for Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) staff and others who faced an increased risk, had been implemented. The manager was positive about the commitment staff had shown throughout the pandemic.

Staff were regularly tested for COVID-19 and had received COVID-19 vaccinations in January 2021. Staff expressing a hesitancy in taking the COVID 19 vaccine were well supported in their decision-making.

People were supported in a person-centred way, when implementing the changes and procedures required to minimise the risk of COVID 19 in the home. We heard of examples of how people had been supported with real compassion and understanding when they had become distressed during this time. We saw evidence of how people who liked to be outside and walking were supported to continue this activity safely, at this time.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found