Rosewarne

We found the following examples of good practice.

Staff were using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and following current infection prevention and control guidance to help keep people safe. Additional training in the use of PPE, Covid-19 and infection control practices had been provided to all staff. PPE, handwashing facilities and guidance on the management of infection control risks was available throughout the service.

The service has good supplies of PPE and additional equipment was available for use by staff in the event of an outbreak of the infection. The registered manager regularly worked alongside care staff and provided regular informal training updates to ensure current infection control guidance was fully understood and followed.

The service was clean, well maintained and clutter free. Each shift one staff member was designated as the infection control lead with specific responsibilities for cleaning and housekeeping tasks. All high contact areas were cleaned regularly throughout the day and night staff had been supplied with additional steam cleaning equipment. Furniture with permeable upholstery in communal areas had been replaced with furniture which was easier to clean.

The service was closed to most visitors at the time of the inspection as there was a national lock down in place. Appropriate arrangements had been made prior to lock down to enable relatives to visit the service safely. A lounge area with a separate entrance had been designated for visiting and outdoor visits had been encouraged and supported when weather permitted. Video conferencing technologies had been used to enable people to maintain relationships which were important to them. People were encouraged to engage with exercise and spend time outdoors regularly. The service minibus had been used to enable people to visit beaches and other outdoor areas of interest while maintaining social distancing.

The service had appropriate admission procedures in place and everyone who moved into or returned to the service form hospital, was initially cared for in isolation. Regular testing of staff and people who used the service was completed in accordance with current guidance. Arrangements had been made to enable people and staff to access the vaccine.

People were able to access the service's communal areas if they wished and were encouraged to maintain social distancing. The service's infection control policies had been reviewed and updated in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Plans had been developed detailing how an outbreak of the infection would be managed.

The registered manager had maintained open communication links throughout the pandemic and ensured people, relatives and staff understood why the precautions being taken were necessary.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found