CQC highlight good practice at Allenby Road

Allenby Road Respite Service impressed the Care Quality Commission (CQC) during its Emergency Framework Interview, which saw inspectors speak to registered managers across the country at the peak of the pandemic.

Allenby Road was then one of 300 sites chosen to pilot the review into how care homes would manage should the UK suffer a second wave of COVID-19. The review allowed CQC to learn about the strengths of the service and identify any gaps or concerns around Infection Prevention Practice, where they could signpost to other resources.

Following the visit, which took place on 10th August, the inspection report found several examples of good practice at the home including correct safety procedures, the availability of essential equipment such as PPE in sufficient quantities to help manage the impact of COVID-19, systems to ensure the environment was conducive to containing another outbreak were clear and accessible to people using the service.

Judith Nalusiba, Registered Manager at Allenby Road, said the inspector had run through their procedures and was particularly impressed with their signage.

She said: “We ensured signage around the building, used easy words and pictures, so everything is simple and clear for our customers with learning difficulties. The signage helped people understand good hand hygiene and where to go to maintain social distancing. 

“It was lovely to receive such positive feedback. The staff team are always looking at ways to improve the quality of support offered." 

"When the pandemic started, it was scary at first. Families and the staff team wondered what would happen if they couldn’t carry on with their daily routine or be able to work, it’s been a blessing that everyone stayed safe and well during this tough period and the service was still open for emergency admissions.

“Sharing information has helped hugely. We have managers’ meetings every Monday where we all give feedback on how the home has been running."

It’s good to share what has, and hasn’t, been working; to know what we were doing well and what could be better. We kept up to date with all changes and carried on working. When the testing started, no-one was unwell. We have been lucky, but it has been a learning curve for everyone.”