Staff and residents at Rainbow Court in Paston are celebrating after being recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for their excellent care and diligence during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rainbow Court met all the criteria of the recent assessment, which is part of the CQC’s emergency support framework. This included safe care and treatment, staffing arrangements, protection from abuse, assurance processes, monitoring and risk management.
Director of Operations, Simone Moore said: “We are extremely proud of our staff for handling the Covid-19 pandemic with such diligence and care. Everyone has shown their dedication to keeping our residents safe and we are extremely grateful to them.
“Many of the people that we support need to touch things or to be physically guided by others to find their way around. They often use tactile forms of communication such as braille and deafblind manual, so it is very difficult for them to avoid physical contact. To date, thankfully we have not had any cases of Coronavirus at Rainbow Court and we have been able to continue to provide our high quality support in a safe way.
Rainbow Court is owned and managed by national charity, Deafblind UK to provide supported living accommodation to people who have sight and hearing loss. It comprises 17 flats along with communal indoor space, gardens, allotments and greenhouses for all tenants to enjoy. A team of highly qualified support workers are on hand to provide flexible support during the day and night if tenants require it.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CQC has not been routinely inspecting services, and has instead been maintaining contact with providers through existing monitoring arrangements and engagement and support calls.
The assessment identified correct use of PPE and acknowledged that new infection control processes have been implemented. It also stated that staff are well supported through flexible working and the provision of a free counselling service. They have received updated training and feel that their safety is being taken seriously.
Praise was given to Registered Manager, Alison Crowson, for being visible and accessible and for supporting the team to provide continuity of care throughout the pandemic.
Simone concluded: “We are delighted that the CQC has recognised our dedication to supporting people who are deafblind throughout the pandemic. I would like to thank all of our care and support team for their hard work.”
