The Woodlarks Centre

Welcome to our overview of The Woodlarks Centre, a residential care home located in Farnham that provides accommodation and personal support for up to 23 adults with physical support needs and learning disabilities. At the time of this targeted inspection, 21 residents were living at the home. This review focuses specifically on how the service managed infection prevention and control during the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting the practical measures put in place by the management and staff to protect residents, visitors, and the wider community.

When looking at how the home keeps individuals safe, inspectors found comprehensive infection control measures thoroughly embedded throughout the environment. The management team successfully implemented social distancing and shielding rules, managed safe admissions, and ensured proper use of protective equipment. The home featured convenient hand sanitiser dispensers outside every room and in communal areas, clear hygiene signage, and easy access to cleaning supplies. Furthermore, the facility actively supported national testing programs by hosting a mobile COVID-19 unit and the army on-site, while maintaining ongoing testing access for staff, residents, and visitors alike.

Regarding how effectively the service operates, the management proactively reviewed the physical layout of the home to make necessary environmental changes. These adjustments allowed for effective self-isolation within individual resident rooms when needed. Additionally, staff maintained high standards of hygiene by regularly deep cleaning rooms, utilizing specialist equipment for air filtering and disinfection, and conducting routine cleaning tasks on the day of the inspection.

In terms of the caring nature of the staff, inspectors observed that employees knew residents very well and offered comforting reassurance regarding the pandemic. This personalized attention helped minimize the emotional impact of COVID-19 on residents' overall wellbeing. Staff also supported residents in maintaining social connections, such as organizing a pen pal club with a local school so residents could stay in touch with the local community.

To remain responsive to residents' needs during challenging times, the home facilitated safe visits through a dedicated COVID-19 secure pod set up in the garden. Crucially, visiting arrangements were discussed directly with the residents, allowing them to participate in making decisions about the service and how they interacted with others. Residents were also supported to take part in a wide variety of in-house activities tailored specifically to their individual interests.

Looking at leadership and management, the leadership team demonstrated strong organizational oversight by keeping infection prevention and control policies completely up to date. Management ensured that all staff members were fully aware of how to recognize virus symptoms, as well as when and how to properly self-isolate. By proactively outsourcing testing facilities and organizing continuous staff access to health checks, the leadership showed a strong commitment to managing and preventing potential infection outbreaks effectively.