Halsdown Nursing Home

We found the following examples of good practice.

• The premises were clean and well maintained. Additional cleaning schedules had been introduced since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Care staff were managing the cleaning effectively ensuring each room, en-suite and equipment were clean and implementing a regular deep clean programme. High touch areas such as door handles, technical equipment and light switches were cleaned throughout the day. Hand sanitiser was readily available throughout the premises. • There were trollies stocked with personal protective equipment (PPE) stationed around the home and each person had their own clinical waste bin to support the safe disposal of PPE worn by staff. Laundry was washed separately on a hot wash. • There was a clear procedure for staff to follow, when arriving and leaving and at break times. For example, staff recorded their temperatures as soon as they came into the building. They donned and doffed their uniform in a separate changing room and did not wear their uniform outside the service. • Staff accessed weekly testing. People who used the service were also supported to access regular testing. • Staff supported people to remain in contact with their families in line with government guidance. Increased staffing supported this. A new garden gazebo and screened area had been made with a booking system to enable thorough cleaning. There was lots of staff engagement with people to ensure they did not feel isolated, with allocated time for 'something to make people's lives better'. Gifts were encouraged and managed safely. • All staff had received recent training in infection control and prevention (IPC) and were seen to be following correct IPC practices at all times, including social distancing. • The registered manager and providers were visible and supported staff. They promoted a positive support network ensuring staff felt valued and cared for. They had arranged a treat for when it was safe so staff had something to look forward to. All updates to UK Government guidance were shared with staff and family members. • The registered manager sought support and advice from external agencies and was open to all advice and guidance offered. There was a contingency plan informing staff how to manage Covid-19 and a robust admission policy.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found