Worthington Lake Care Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

Visitors to the home needed to provide evidence of a recently completed negative lateral flow device (LFD) test, or complete one upon arrival. Visitors also had their temperature screened and were required to put on personal protective equipment (PPE). Professionals were required to provide evidence of their vaccination status via the NHS app or COVID pass. An electronic record of vaccination status was kept on file for future reference.

Contact with relatives had been maintained during the pandemic through a variety of means. A visiting lodge had been installed within the grounds, balcony and garden visits had been facilitated, as well as phone and video calls. The home had ensured any changes to guidance had been communicated via social media, emails and verbally through phone calls. Indoor visiting was now being facilitated in line with current guidance.

The home had a plentiful supply of PPE which was used and worn correctly by staff. Staff had completed training in infection control and the safe use of PPE, with competency checks completed to ensure ongoing compliance.

The home had robust cleaning procedures in place, which had increased in response to the pandemic. Frequent touch points had been cleaned regularly. The home had purchased specialist equipment to help ensure rooms were fully sanitised.

All staff and people living at the home completed regular COVID-19 testing in line with current guidance. Additional testing of both people and staff had been implemented following the discovery of positive cases within the home. Social distancing, cohorting and zoning had been used effectively to support people and staff to remain safe. Staff had been allocated to work in specific areas of the home.

The home lead, who had acted as temporary home manager during the early stages of the pandemic had been nominated for and received both the regional and national COVID Hero Award at the Great British Care Awards 2021. This was is recognition of their work in supporting the home, people and staff to stay safe, follow guidance, whilst still enjoying a good quality of life.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found