Magdalen Close Hostel

This report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides an overview of Magdalen Close Hostel, a residential care service for up to 22 individuals with diverse needs including learning disabilities, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, dementia, and autism. The inspection focused on assessing the home's preparedness and practices related to infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report details specific findings across key areas, offering insight into the quality of care provided.

Regarding safety, the home demonstrated strong practices in preventing the spread of infections, adhering to shielding and social distancing guidelines, and admitting new residents safely. The effective and safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was noted, alongside robust systems for testing staff and residents. The premises were maintained to a high standard of hygiene, with clear cleaning schedules and regular checks, contributing to a safe environment.

On how effective the care is, the service was actively seeking to enhance its monitoring capabilities by incorporating staff training on baseline observations alongside existing temperature checks and resident monitoring. This proactive approach aims to improve the oversight of residents' health and well-being.

In terms of caring, residents were supported to engage in meaningful activities and enjoy outdoor spaces, even during lockdown restrictions. Creative solutions, such as painting beach huts on the garden fence, were implemented to maintain enjoyment and well-being when traditional outings were not possible. Access to pets, a sensory room, an allotment, and gardens further enhanced the quality of life.

Regarding responsiveness, the service actively sought to manage risks by regularly updating its knowledge of the latest guidance and local transmission rates. This ensured that actions taken were informed and appropriate to the prevailing circumstances, aiming to keep residents safe.

On how well-led the service is, an established registered manager was in place with a clear system for recording COVID-19 testing and vaccination information. The manager demonstrated a commitment to staying informed about current health guidance, ensuring that safety measures were up-to-date and effectively implemented across the service.