Shear Meadow

We found the following examples of good practice.

● The service was receiving professional visitors with clear infection control procedures in place. Visitors were health screened and had their temperatures checked by staff on arrival. All visitors were provided with guidance, via the signage displayed in the entrance hallway, and were required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

● The service had been facilitating 'window visits', 'garden visits' and socially distanced 'get-togethers' for family and friends. Visits were pre-arranged and scheduled to avoid potential infection transmission between visitors. Guidance was provided for all visits and they were facilitated in spaces outdoors where social distancing could be maintained. The manager was awaiting an update to current government guidance for future visiting arrangements.

● Risks to people and staff in relation to their health, safety and wellbeing had been thoroughly assessed. The service layout enabled effective cohorting of staff as staff were allocated to work with one person in their self-contained 'apartment'. This reduced the risk of potential infection transmission between people living at the service and between staff members.

● The provider had developed policies and procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Management oversight and checks, alongside regular infection prevention and control audits were in place.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found