Donec Mews

We found the following examples of good practice.

The provider had acted to make sure people could have visitors safely. Risk reduction measures such as temperature and symptom checks were required on entry. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitisation were also required. Family visits were facilitated for people in the garden during the summer. Those unable to visit used video or telephone calls. The manager effectively communicated these measures to families.

Where social distancing was not possible staff used other mitigation such as PPE. People were encouraged to wash their hands by staff. The provider ensured people were supported to access the community safely. People made good use of outside space during better weather, supported by staff.

The provider followed government PPE guidance and practice. There were posters on the walls to remind staff of infection prevention and control (IPC) best practise. PPE training was given in-house by senior support workers and supported by the clinical commissioning group (CCG).

People who were admitted to the service were required to undertake COVID-19 testing and complete a 14 day isolation period in line with government guidance.

The provider ensured people and staff had access to regular testing for COVID-19 in line with government guidance. The provider followed the correct procedure if staff tested positive for COVID-19. The provider had ensured that all staff and people supported had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The provider had put cleaning checklists in place to enable staff to know what and when to clean. The provider ensured good practices were in place such as appropriate ventilation at the service. We observed windows were open during inspection. The staff team had responded positively to the new infection prevention and control procedures.

The registered manager had minimised staff movement between the three houses. The provider had also limited the use of agency to prevent infection within the home.

The registered manager had risk assessed staff in vulnerable groups with appropriate actions taken. Staff received full pay from the provider if they had to isolate due to COVID-19. Staff felt well supported by the provider and registered manager.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found