OUR INFECTION CONTROL POLICY
Sandstone Care Group are working closely with Public Health, Local Authorities, and the Care Quality Commission to implement all guidelines regarding the coronavirus and infection control.
With the support from both directors and senior management,
our dedicated home managers ensure best practice is followed throughout each home and by every member of staff.
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1. STAYING UP TO DATE WITH POLICIES AND GUIDANCE
We carefully follow guidance from Public Health England and Wales combined with the Care Quality Commission, Care Inspectorate Wales and the Local Authority for information. Residents and families are kept up to date through regular contact with our home managers. Our staff have all received the relevant specialist training on infection control.
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2. INCREASED CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
Our homes have increased the frequency of sanitation including high frequency touchpoints.
Our housekeepers have received additional training and guidance and, along with their existing cleaning schedules, using commercial grade quality cleaning products, they will continue to keep our homes clean and safe. Staff arrive in their own clothes and change into a clean uniform on site.
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3. HIGH QUALITY PPE
We have a consistent supply of optional, high-quality PPE for both staff and visitors which is utilised and handled in line with Government guidance. This includes both how it should be worn, and how it should be removed and disposed of.
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4. TESTING
If staff and residents feel unwell, or are presenting symptoms of Covid-19, they are tested using a Lateral Flow test device.
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5. ESSENTIAL CONTRACTORS AND VISITORS FOLLOW INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES
All visitors and contractors must follow our infection control procedures. These include hand sanitation and using optional medical grade PPE that is issued upon entry. At visitors and contractors discretion, we accept proof of a negative Lateral Flow test device and can also provide a temperature reading if requested.
1
1. STAYING UP TO DATE WITH POLICIES AND GUIDANCE
We carefully follow guidance from Public Health England and Wales combined with the Care Quality Commission,Care Inspectorate Wales and the Local Authority for information. Residents and families are kept up to date through regular contact with our home managers. Our staff have all received the relevant specialist training on infection control.
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2. INCREASED CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
Our homes have increased the frequency of sanitation including high frequency touchpoints.
Our housekeepers have received additional training and guidance and, along with their existing cleaning schedules, using commercial grade quality cleaning products, they will continue to keep our homes clean and safe. Staff arrive in their own clothes and change into a clean uniform on site.
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3. HIGH QUALITY PPE
We have a consistent supply of high-quality PPE for both staff and visitors which is utilised and handled in line with Government guidance. This includes both how it should be worn, and how it should be removed and disposed of.
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4. REGULAR TESTING
Our staff are tested three times a week using a combination of PCR tests (processed in laboratories) and lateral flow device tests that give results in less than 30 minutes. All our residents have a temperature check twice daily and take a PCR test every 28 days, unless presenting symptoms.
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5. ESSENTIAL CONTRACTORS AND VISITORS FOLLOW INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES
All essential visitors and contractors must follow our infection control procedures. These include a temperature check, hand sanitation, health questionnaire and a lateral flow device test. Full medical grade PPE is also issued upon entry.
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6. INNOVATIVE WAYS OF HELPING FAMILIES TO STAY IN TOUCH
We understand the important role of staying in touch with family and friends over this difficult time. Each resident may name five individuals (max of two at one time) for contact visits under strict infection control measures, including a pre-test and PPE issued. All of our homes offer pod visits where they are face-to-face with a loved one. The pods are divided by a clear screen and have their own separate entrance and exit.
In addition to pod visits, we encourage video calls, phone calls and letters. Pod visits are pre-agreed and follow stringent guidelines to ensure everyone remains safe. All these options are available to book online, or on the telephone.
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7. CONTINUED RESIDENT WELLBEING PROGRAMMES
The emotional wellbeing and health of residents is at the very heart of all our care homes. Our full-time activity coordinators have full and varied timetables to ensure our residents remain stimulated both physically and mentally. Our experienced carers monitor the health of each resident daily and, should medical attention be required, medical professionals continue to operate within the homes in accordance with our essential visitor policy. Regular ward rounds are conducted virtually with GPs.
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