Northcourt Lodge Nursing Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

People had been supported to keep in touch with their families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff provided support where necessary so people could phone or video call their families. The provider was allowing outside visits from family and friends and the expectations and procedures for visitors to the service were clear. This process was being updated from the 8 March 2021 and the provider was implementing changes to ensure visits were safe for the residents, staff and friends and families.

Northcourt Lodge had received very few professional visitors to the home, however we saw robust infection control procedures in place. Visitors were received into the reception area on arrival where they were provided with guidance, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health screening was completed. Each visitor also had their temperature checked by staff on arrival.

The registered manager ensured they were up to date with the latest guidance and practice for infection prevention and control. They had developed policies and procedures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance and information for staff was clear with detailed safe systems of work for the home. Daily cleaning checks and regular infection prevention and control audits were seen. At the time of the inspection, we had no concerns about the level of cleanliness in the home.

There were mechanisms in place to support staff, risk assessments had been completed with people who use the service and who were identified as facing higher risks. Staff were regularly tested for COVID-19 and had received their first COVID-19 vaccinations in January 2021.

People were supported in a person-centred way, when implementing the changes and procedures required to minimise the risk of COVID 19 in the home. We heard of examples of how people had been supported with real compassion and understanding.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found