Care home improves Covid guidance after inspection report
Changes follow unannounced visit during pandemic
A care home in Barrhead has taken vital steps to improve safety for their residents and workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Norwood Care Home, run by Advinia Care Homes Limited, received an unannounced inspection on August 10 and 11 from the Care Inspectorate as they check homes are doing all they should be to help stop the spread of the deadly virus.
Care homes bore the brunt of the coronavirus when it first arrived in the UK, and are now being carefully monitored to ensure another outbreak does not occur.
Norwood staff initially were deemed to have not been given sufficiently clear guidance regarding cleaning of equipment, but this was addressed by the end of the twoday inspection.
The report stated: “We asked for some changes to the layout of the lounges to allow for appropriate social distancing.
“The home appeared clean, but we identified some practices such as cleaning of equipment that was not in line with current guidelines.
“There was a lack of clear guidance for housekeeping staff around daily and weekly enhanced cleaning schedules however, this was rectified during inspection.
“The management of laundry was good and met infection prevention and cont rol standards.
“There were not enough clinical waste bins, hand sanitisers or PPE stations around the home but this was addressed by day two of our visit.
“Although staff used PPE correctly, some staff had not completed training in its use.
“There were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs.
“The home had experienced significant staff absence but had addressed this by using agency workers.”
Norwood, which has capacity for up to 54 older people, was found to have adapted well overall to new guidelines and those it hadn’t were quickly rectified.
The report, which was put to the Scottish Parliament, stated: “People were supported to keep in contact with their families, and families confirmed communication was good.
“Garden visits had started using a booking system.
“People who used the service looked well cared for.
“They seemed relaxed around staff who showed them respect and kindness.
“There was a variety of activities on offer and good use of the outside space.
“Personal plans reflected people’s support needs and guided staff to offer appropriate care and support.
“However, anticipatory care plans needed to be reviewed.”
A spokesperson for Norwood Care Home said: “We are thankful to the Care Inspectorate for their scrutiny and we are pleased that our residents were seen to be well cared for.
“We can confirm that all issues identified in this report were either remedied during the inspection, or in the subsequent days.”
All issues identified in this report were either remedied during the inspection or subsequent days