Approach Lodge

We found the following examples of good practice.

There were clear procedures in place to ensure visitors could enter the home safely, with a requirement to complete a screening questionnaire and to provide a negative lateral flow device (LFD) COVID-19 test before entering the home.

People and their relatives were given information about visiting and were kept updated about any changes in visiting procedures in the home. Staff discussed COVID-19 with people on a regular basis and shared important information and reminders during daily house meetings. People were encouraged and supported to better understand the risks related to COVID-19 and to keep safe when they went outside.

The service was taking part in regular COVID-19 testing for people and staff in line with current guidance. The provider was aware of recently updated testing guidance and had discussed this with staff to ensure they were all aware of the new testing regime and how they needed to report their test results.

The home had a plentiful supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Staff had ongoing IPC training and we observed staff following best practice during the inspection. One staff member said, "We have watched the donning and doffing videos and regularly discuss this as a team. We always remind each other about this."

The home was clean and hygienic and there were clear guidelines for staff to follow to ensure cleaning schedules were followed. This included a separate COVID-19 cleaning rota with additional and enhanced cleaning procedures for high touch points in communal areas.

Staff told us they felt well supported in their role and had been kept regularly updated with any changes throughout the pandemic. Staff confirmed there were regular discussions in daily handovers, team meetings and supervisions where they could raise any concerns. One staff member said, "We have a good team and the manager is always here to support us and has always been available."

The registered manager told us they had been well supported by the provider and the local authority since the start of the pandemic. We saw monthly team meetings always covered COVID-19 updates and the provider had also given staff a pay award in recognition of their hard work. The registered manager had also

carried out a recent IPC audit on 22 January 2022 which was aligned with the CQC IPC guidance for care homes to ensure the home was following best practice.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found