Riverview

We found the following examples of good practice.

Procedures were in place to ensure the risk of any visitors to the service introducing infection were minimised. This included taking peoples temperature, supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) and using an external door to ensure people washed their hands before entering the building.

The nature of the building and staffing levels ensured people were encouraged to socially distance. For example, if a person wanted to use the communal kitchen the staff member supporting them would first ensure nobody else was using it.

Procedures were in place to admit people to the home safely, including adherence to an isolation period and cohorting a staff team to work exclusively with that person.

Staff were wearing PPE appropriately and efforts had been made to support people to cope with staff wearing masks. One person had initially found this difficult, desensitisation techniques such as leaving masks around the environment had been used and were successful in helping this person adjust and accept staff wearing masks.

Programmes for regular testing for staff and people were in place. Where people declined to be tested, information was provided, and the offer of a test made again each time they were due. Peoples temperatures were being taken twice daily.

People were supported to access the community and adjustments were made to minimise the risks of them doing so. For example, one person liked to walk to the seafront and buy a drink, instead they were supported to take a drink with them to enjoy so they did not need to go into a shop. Another person was supported to buy a takeaway and eat it on the sea front instead of their usual pub meal.

People were supported to maintain contact with loved ones using a variety of technology, and visiting was assessed on an individual basis.

There were comprehensive policies and operating procedures in place. The provider issued regular health and safety updates. For example, during the hot weather guidance around keeping cool and using fans was issued.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found