Pendruccombe House

We found the following examples of good practice.

The management team were continuing to support staff to contain the COVID-19 outbreak at the service. The manager helped to cover shifts with daily oversight and careful management of staffing levels. This meant there had been no staff shortages. Staffing levels were being supported by the use of agency staff and the services own workforce who worked additional hours. The manager said; "All staff have been great at covering all the shifts as much as possible." This has helped protect people.

The service had identified essential care givers. These are people who can provide companionship, but also additional care and support to a relative or friend. They can visit more often and during periods of COVID-19 outbreak. They must follow the staff testing regime in order to mitigate risk.

The service was following current guidance in relation to visiting care homes during outbreaks of COVID-19. Essential care givers and visits to people in receipt of end of life care were possible. However, the service was currently closed to other visitors. People understood the need for these restrictions and were confident staff were taking appropriate steps to manage the outbreak of the infection. People said; "I understand why they can't come to see us, but it's not too long," "Staff have explained everything to us" and "We have had visits whenever it has been possible including in our bedroom."

We spoke to 11 people living in the service. One said; "My sister-in-law visits us regularly." All the people we spoke with confirmed regular visits had taken place prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The service had a committed staff team who ensured people received care and support in a safe and hygienic environment. People were supported in the service in accordance with national guidance. The staff team supported people and their relatives to understand the policies and procedures surrounding protection against COVID-19.

Housekeeping staff had additional cleaning regimes as a result of COVID, such as regular cleaning of high contact touch points and the cleaning of the visiting pod between each visit.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) was available to all staff and visitors. Staff and people living at the service were regularly tested for COVID-19.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found