Sunnyside House

We found the following examples of good practice. ● The provider was proactive in updating policies and processes in line with national guidance. This included policies relating to infection control and prevention, visiting and staffing. ● A process was in place to safely manage admissions to the service, in line with COVID-19 care home admissions guidance. People could only be admitted following a negative COVID-19 test and would be supported to self-isolate for up to 14 days after admission, to reduce the risk of introducing infection. ● COVID-19 related risks to people and staff had been assessed and measures were in place to reduce these risks. People's health and wellbeing was monitored. People were observed for symptoms of coronavirus and other potential infections. Staff had sought medical advice and support when this was appropriate. ● People were supported to understand the risks to themselves and to take action to minimise these. Social stories had been used to explain coronavirus and how it may be spread. People watched the news with staff, to keep up to date with changes. Some people were wearing masks to protect themselves during our visit. ● Staff followed the risk assessments in place to reduce risk of transmission of infection. Staff were confident and competent in following the IPC measures in place. These included including donning and doffing and safe disposal of PPE. Enhanced cleaning schedules were carried out and people and staff groups were cohorted to reduce potential exposure to the virus. ● People and staff were tested in line with national guidance for care homes. Testing had helped managers identify when additional infection control measures needed to be implemented and when staff needed to self-isolate. The registered manager and staff had taken immediate action to manage an outbreak. This included working with Public Health England and the Local Authority to ensure risks to people and staff were minimised. The provider also implemented use of rapid testing, to support routine testing, to ensure staff were safe to work. ● Visits to the service were suspended in line with national and local guidance and specialist advice. Special arrangements were made for visiting people at the end of their life. When visiting was not possible, people were supported to remain in contact with their family members and friends through calls and virtual means. ● People were supported to stay socially engaged and not to become lonely. Staff helped people join in socially distanced group activities, or one to one activities, with a staff member. ● Staff had received training and support on how to implement the provider's outbreak management plan. The service was 100% compliant with the provider's IPC training requirements and had accessed additional IPC training through the local authority. ● Staff were complementary of the support they received from the registered manager and their colleagues. Manager's told us staff had been exceptionally flexible and supportive of each other. Staff have covered all shifts as needed, when their colleagues had to self-isolate, to avoid the need for agency staff.

● An open and transparent approach was maintained throughout the outbreak to keep families, the public and appropriate agencies informed. ● The provider's executive team provided support and guidance to the home's management throughout the pandemic. Reflection and lessons learned will be used to support further learning around the management of COVID-19.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found