Orchard House Residential Care Home

We found the following examples of good infection prevention and control (IPC) practice.

Arrangements were in place to ensure any visit was safe, including a temperature check, health questionnaire and a rapid COVID-19 test for any visitor not subject to a regular testing programme. Alternatives were in place where it was not safe for people or their family members for a physical visit. These included letters, phone calls, video technology calls and pictures.

Visits were pre-booked, time limited, based on people's individual circumstances. Visitors could only access the home through a separate external door, or if needed were escorted directly to people's room to avoid contact with others.

Staff implemented their training about infection prevention and control (IPC) and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). There was a planned programme of cleaning, disinfecting and sanitising to keep the service clean. This included attention to frequently touched, or personal, items such as door handles and hoisting slings.

People, when needed, had been isolated for the appropriate time until it was safe for them to enter communal areas. Staff worked in groups. Only these staff would care for any person suspected or infected with COVID-19. No person had been infected since the pandemic started in 2020.

The registered manager supported people and staff with their wellbeing and promoted openness. They were available to listen if staff or people needed other support such as, professional counselling or support from a health professional. Audits were proactive in identifying areas to improve IPC standards.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found