AN Oldham care home has been hailed by inspectors for its response to the cornavirus pandemic.

Werneth Lodge Care Home in Manchester Road was visited by regulator the Care Quality Commission on March 17 and its report has now been published.

The residential facility has capacity for up to 42 people, but at the time of the inspection - which the home was warned about - there were 32 people in situ.

Inspectors said they found numerous examples of good practice.

"All visitors temperatures were taken to help screen people for Covid-19," it said.

"The home had started allowing visitors into the building in line with government guidance. People were also supported to maintain regular contact with loved ones through video calls, telephone calls and visits at the window."

The report said staff spoke positively about the service and management. One staff member said: "Oh yes [ I feel supported], I think so, definitely. She [the manager Kelly Anne Moss] has been fantastic."

The home was taking part in regular Covid-19 testing.

The inspection was carried out under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part the CQC's regulatory functions.

Its purpose was to check whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the legislation.

The report said: "As part of CQC's response to the coronavirus pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control.

"This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control

and prevention measures the provider has in place.

The inspection team concluded the following:

● We were assured that the provider was preventing visitors from catching and spreading infections.

● We were assured that the provider was meeting shielding and social distancing rules.

● We were assured that the provider was admitting people safely to the service.

● We were assured that the provider was using PPE effectively and safely.

● We were assured that the provider was accessing testing for people using the service and staff.

● We were assured that the provider was promoting safety through the layout and hygiene practices of the

premises.

● We were assured that the provider was making sure infection outbreaks can be effectively prevented or managed.

● We were assured that the provider's infection prevention and control policy was up to date.