Corona recovery site praised for infection control
CENTRE’S ‘GOOD’ RANKING IS MAINTAINED BY INSPECTORS
A COVID-19 recovery centre in South Derbyshire was visited by health inspectors to ensure it was complying with infection control measures.
The Bungalow, in Meadow Lane, Newhall, was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The purpose-built building usually provides rehabilitation and respite care for people with “high needs”, but it has temporarily become a place caring for people with Covid when they are discharged from hospital.
The Bungalow was previously rated “good” by the CQC and there was no change to this following the October 23 inspection.
The CQC was happy with what it found with regards to infection control. Its report said: “We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting.”
The inspectors noted that each room had en-suite facilities, hospital beds and moving and handling equipment, as well as its own TV and access to communal spaces, which were large enough to support social distancing.
Access to each room was through an independent outside door which reduced the risk of cross-contamination of people using the main entrance. The report went on: “Staff employed by the service did not work in any other care setting.
“This meant the risk of cross-infection was reduced. When agency staff were used to cover vacant shifts, they were pre-booked to ensure consistency as far as possible.
“Staff were supported in their wellbeing through a range of networks. These included team support and supervision, access to counselling and other support networks.”
The report noted the centre also had on-site catering facilities, staff were trained in the appropriate use of PPE and enough supplies and laundry facilities were available on the site.
Staff also had their own entrance which enabled them to change from their day wear to work uniform, as well as put on their PPE in the changing room.
Robust hygiene measures were found to be in place, along with enhanced cleaning schedules.
Staff were also regularly tested for coronavirus.
The facility can support 10 people, but, at the time of the inspection, just two were using the service.