Bluebell Court Care Home

The home is situated over two floors with lift and stair access. There are a variety of communal areas on each floor including lounges, dining rooms and a sensory room. Outside there is a garden area.

We found the following examples of good practice.

Essential visitors to the service were screened for symptoms of respiratory infections prior to being admitted into the home. They were supplied with personal protective equipment (PPE) and supported with hand hygiene before and during any visit.

Alternative methods of contact between people and their family and friends was supported within the home. Good information was given to friends and family and communication was on-going.

Staff wore appropriate PPE when delivering personal care to people and disposal of PPE followed current guidance. Staff had received training in the use of PPE from the local infection prevention and control (IPC) team. There was a designated IPC lead who took responsibility for all IPC issues. The service had a good understanding of when to seek advice and where to go for this.

Cleaning schedules were followed to ensure the home was kept hygienic and safe. The IPC policy was current and appropriate. Good ventilation was in evidence throughout the home.

Whole home testing was taking place. Symptomatic people were isolated in their own rooms or cohorted where possible. Risk assessments were in place with regard to people who could not be isolated successfully, for example, where they were living with dementia and walked around with purpose.

The service ensured people had been tested for COVID-19 prior to being admitted. People were isolated for 14 days, as per guidance, following admission. Risk assessments were in place for all, with particular risk assessments for people in higher risk groups. There were specific rooms identified for use to keep people safe.

A new entrance was in the process of being built at the home. This would provide a room where people could meet without accessing the rest of the home.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found