Frenchay Park Gardens Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

People we spoke with told us, "Yes I am ok", "The staff are really nice and I have no complaints", "I do feel safe here", "I will be glad when the virus has gone away forever but I am all ok". The staff that were spoke with told us, "I am happy working here. We have just pulled together throughout the pandemic and got on with things". Another staff member told us, "I feel safe and wear my mask and PPE. I get regular breaks".

Staff followed safe infection prevention and control procedures, including the safe wearing and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE). They regularly sanitised their hands. Housekeeping staff followed robust cleaning schedules and procedures to ensure the premises were kept clean and hygienic. PPE stations were located throughout the home.

There was a clear process for visitors. A hand basin had been installed outside of the building during the pandemic where visitors could wash their hands as they entered and left the home. Visitors were required to have their temperature taken and were asked if they had any symptoms. They were asked to wear PPE which included a face mask.

Visitors were required to sign in and they had to show a negative lateral flow test. The vaccination status was checked for health and social care professionals and contractors. This was in line with legislation that had come into effect in November 2021.

People were supported to see friends and family in accordance with government guidance. This was by pre booked appointment. In the event of a Covid outbreak or if people were isolating, they were supported to maintain contact by the telephone and video calls. Relatives of people coming to the end of their lives were supported to visit safely.

The registered manager told us people's significant others had been asked if they wanted to become the essential carer giver for their relative. This meant they will still able to visit during an outbreak at the home. In order to become an essential care giver, set procedures were to be followed. This included participating in regular testing for Covid.

Lounge chairs were distanced from each other. Theses social distancing measures were in place to help protect people.

Staff had received training in COVID-19, and infection prevention and control. Information and ongoing government guidance in the management of COVID-19 was shared with staff.

The home took part in regular testing for COVID-19. The registered manager maintained an audit of the dates staff and people were last tested. The registered manager told us all staff had been double vaccinated. Some staff had received booster vaccinations and others planned to have this when they were able to. The Covid passports of staff had been checked by the management team.

The registered manager told us they were not experiencing any workforce pressures and that staffing was manageable. The home had a lower occupancy at the time of the inspection with vacant beds. We were told the staff team picked up extra hours as overtime, but this was monitored to ensure staff were not over worked. Recruitment was an ongoing process at the home.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found