A Dawlish care home has been praised by the Care Quality Commission for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sefton Hall provides personal and nursing care and currently has 44 residents. It is one of four homes in Devon owned by Southern Healthcare. It has previously been rated Outstanding by the CQC and has won several awards.
The inspection was carried out under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of the CQC’s regulatory functions and was planned to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
The report states: “As part of CQC’s response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.”
The inspectors say they found a number of areas of good practice at the home:” People were supported to maintain relationships with their loved ones in creative ways. For example, in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic the home introduced ‘drive through’ visiting, an initiative which was reported by local media. The home also took part in a pilot using 30-minute lateral flow tests to enable people to have close contact visits in the safest way possible.
The staff made efforts to ensure people did not feel isolated by the lack of contact with family, friends, and the community. For example, each year the staff and people living at Sefton Hall take part in the local community carnival. Because this had been cancelled, staff recreated it within the grounds of the home by building a float, wearing fancy dress, and holding games and competitions. Activities were risk assessed and a balance struck to endeavour to keep life stimulating for people, whilst minimising risk. The registered manger told us that staff have tried to replace family as much as they can”.
The inspectors were also impressed by the accommodation and facilities at Sefton Hall: “The provider used funding available to create an ‘isolation unit’ within the building. This included 11 ensuite bedrooms, a kitchen, and a wet room. This was part of the homes contingency plans should people living with dementia, who would find it difficult to isolate in their own bedrooms in the main part of the home, test positive for Covid-19.”
The manager of Sefton Hall, Gabriela Ogreanu, says: “I am delighted with the report’s findings. The staff here have worked with great dedication throughout the pandemic and this inspection gives them the recognition they richly deserve. We will continue to do our utmost to protect our residents and to provide them with a stimulating environment.”