Bishopsworth care home issues statement after staff seen wearing facing masks incorrectly

A Bristol care home still ‘requires improvement’ after an inspection identified issues with Covid-19 infection control including staff wearing face masks incorrectly and gloves not disposed of safely.

Two inspectors from the Care Quality Commission carried out the ‘targeted inspection’ at Bishopsmead Lodge on January 13, after concerns were raised about coronavirus measures at the Vicarage Road care home.

The report, published this month, reads: “We inspected the service and were not assured the service was managing infection control procedures relating to the risks of coronavirus and other infection outbreaks effectively.”

The inspectors said they were not satisfied that keypads at the care home were being cleaned regularly and noted ‘poor practice’ relating to how staff were wearing gloves and masks.

“For example, staff were seen to place their gloves on top of a chest of draws rather than into a clinical bin,” the report went on.

“Another member of staff had one glove on whilst the other was handling an electronic care-planning gadget.

“Staff were also seen to be wearing their surgical masks incorrectly.”

Inspectors were also concerned about staff working between different floors, which could pose a ‘risk of cross infection’ should PPE not be worn correctly.

But they also found many examples of good practice, such as residents being supported to keep in touch with families and visitors being asked to have their temperature taken on arrival before providing details for track and trace.

Social distancing was encouraged throughout the home, staff had access to ‘plenty of PPE’ and infection control training and were tested by the care provider every week.

A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care, which operates the Bishopsmead Lodge, said that the safety and wellbeing of residents, staff and visitors remained the company’s ‘first priority’.

“Our hard working teams strive each day to protect everyone in our homes while continuing to manage the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus,” they added.

“While we are pleased that the CQC noted several positive aspects of care in the home, we recognise that there were areas highlighted that needed improvement and after the inspection in January we swiftly implemented an action plan to address these issues.”

The service provided at the care home was rated as ‘requires improvement’ following its most recent routine inspection, which was carried out on May 9 2019.