Syne Hills Care Home Limited

We found the following examples of good practice.

● Information and guidance on COVID 19 restrictions and infection control measures in place was available and visible for staff, people and visitors. Visitors were required to follow the provider's infection prevention and control procedures. ● The manager had a clear communication programme in place for people, staff and relatives to keep them updated with issues related to COVID 19. ● There were sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies in place to ensure safe infection prevention and control practices were undertaken. Infection control policies had been amended to reflect current national guidance. ●There was an enhanced cleaning programme in place at the service and the service was visibly clean and well maintained. The housekeeping team wiped high use touch points throughout the day to reduce the spread of infection. ● The provider had ensured staff were skilled in infection prevention and control (IPC). This included up to date training on infection control and 'Donning and Doffing', how to put on and remove PPE. This was followed up with regular observation of practice. ●There was a testing programme in place for staff and people living in the service. This was to ensure if any staff or people who had contracted COVID 19 and were asymptomatic, were identified in a timely way. ● Staff promoted and practised safe social distancing throughout the home as far as is reasonably practical. Clear systems were in place to shield and isolate people should outbreaks occur. ● A recent outbreak of COVID 19 at the service had been managed well and the plans in place to support people had been utilised safely. Staff who tested positive or had displayed symptoms of COVID 19 had shielded in line with the government guidance and were symptom free before returning to work. ● People were supported to keep in touch with their relatives via telephone calls or video links. When lockdown restrictions had been eased socially distanced visits were introduced. The provider had erected a Perspex screen in a conservatory area, which could be accessed from the garden to support relatives visits safely. ● People admitted to the service were supported in line with government guidance on managing new admissions during the COVID 19 pandemic. The provider had specific COVID 19 care plans in place for people to provide guidance for staff caring for them.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found