Mary Seacole Nursing Home

The provider had a robust procedure for visitors in relation to infection control and prevention. Family members visiting people in the service had to arrange an appointment. Visiting times were staggered so as to avoid congestion at the main entrance and only one family member was nominated by people to be their regular visitor. Exceptions were made for visitors who required assistance from another family member or if the person in the home was receiving end of life care. In which case, more than one relative was permitted to visit them. Visitors had their temperature checked by staff at the entrance and this was recorded along with their contact details. There was clear and appropriate signage in place for staff, people and visitors.

The provider followed government guidelines regarding Covid-19 and adapted their procedures when guidelines changed. Changes were communicated to people, relatives and other regular visitors through letters, leaflets and emails to ensure they had up to date information.

Staff were provided full personal protective equipment (PPE) and there was a regular supply delivered to the service weekly. Additional PPE was in stock should it be required, for example face shields, surgical gowns, long sleeve overalls and goggles. Staff were encouraged and trained to use PPE effectively and safely. People in the service were supported to understand the need for staff to wear face masks. Hand sanitiser stations were conveniently located.

People were supported to self isolate should they test positive for Covid-19. Staff in each unit only worked in that unit to avoid any cross contamination. People and staff were tested regularly in line with government testing guidance for care homes.

There was a specialist isolation unit on the ground floor, which could be used as a designated setting. A designated setting is a separate accommodation unit for people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and have been discharged from hospital. They are cared for in the designated setting for the remainder of their isolation period before being moved on to their homes or other care settings. We saw that the isolation unit in the service was staffed separately from the rest of the nursing home. There were specific entrance and exit points for staff away from other areas of the building to avoid the risk of transmission of Covid-19 or other infections. There were robust procedures in place to ensure the risk of infection was minimised.

We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found