Malvern House

We found the following examples of good practice.

The home was clean, hygienic and uncluttered in appearance. There were procedures to ensure that infection control risks were reduced. For example, increased cleaning of communal areas when the housekeeping staff were on duty. However, the cleaning schedule did not identify additional cleaning that staff carried out when people walked around the home. The registered manager said staff cleaned areas such as door handles following use.

Procedures were in place regarding self-isolation for people who showed symptoms of COVID-19 or who were admitted to the home from the community or other health care provision. The admission procedure had been reviewed and developed to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19.

Due to the current national lockdown, visiting was currently restricted. Friends and families were provided with information on the current restrictions. Where visiting was permitted inside the home for compassionate reasons (for example for people receiving end of life care) suitable infection control procedures were in place when visitors entered and moved around the building. For example, visitors were accompanied around the building by staff, and only spent time in the person's bedroom. Visitors were screened for COVID-19 prior to entering the home. Visitors were required to wear masks and, as necessary, other PPE.

Arrangements had been made for visitors to speak with and see friends and family through an open fire exit or through windows. This enabled social distancing to be maintained. People were supported to speak with their friends and family using IT and the telephone as necessary.

Appropriate testing procedures for COVID-19 had been implemented for all staff and people who used the service following national guidance regarding the frequency and type of testing.

Infection control policies and procedures had been updated in line with the national guidance relating to COVID-19 and staff were provided with verbal and emailed information when best practice recommendations were updated. The training for staff regarding infection control had been updated to include guidance relating to COVID-19.

The registered manager had completed risk assessments regarding the environment and risks to staff and people who used the service. The registered manager was aware of staff members who were at increased risk from COVID-19 and a plan had been agreed with the staff member should there be an outbreak in the home.

The provider had a contingency plan to manage an outbreak of COVID-19.

Plentiful supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) were available in the home. Signage was in place throughout the home regarding the requirement for wearing PPE. Additional signage identified the PPE to be worn when a person was assessed at higher risk of infection.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found