Hastings Lodge & Hastings Cottage

We found the following examples of good practice.

● Safe arrangements were in place for visitors to the service including health professionals and relatives. When infection rates reduced, indoor visits took place in people's rooms with risk assessments in place. Those stopped when infection rates increased again and the situation is closely monitored.

● There was a clear contingency plan in place which was used in the event anyone tested positive for Covid- 19. This supported the registered managers review all necessary actions, identified areas of responsibility and who took the lead on these.

● There was a regular programme of Covid-19 testing in place for staff and people living in the service. This meant swift action could be taken if anyone received a positive test result.

● People using the service were able to self-isolate in their rooms if this was necessary. For anyone who struggled to remain in their room, appropriate alternative arrangements were in place. This meant people's needs were taken into account to find the best way to keep everyone safe.

● The activities coordinator and staff undertook activities with people to keep everyone occupied and engaged. For example, there had been a variety of themed days such as Rainbow Day when people wore rainbow colours. A Hallowe'en party was taking place on the day of the inspection visit.

● There was a stable staff team who did not work in any other care settings. No agency staff were used in the service. This meant the risk of cross infection was reduced.

● Staff were seen to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and there were sufficient stocks of masks, aprons, gloves and hand sanitiser available. There were posters and information about Covid-19 on display throughout the service, including picture and easy read versions.

● Enhanced cleaning schedules were in place including high touch areas such as door handles and hand rails. An extra member of domestic staff had been employed during the pandemic to ensure all areas were kept clean and disinfected. This reduced the risk of infection spread.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found