Enter and view: Nazareth House, Birkenhead

Healthwatch Wirral  undertook an Enter and View visit to Nazareth House Birkenhead on 24 February 2026. The purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of residents’, families’, and staff experiences of care, observe the environment and service delivery, and identify good practice and areas for improvement.

Nazareth House Birkenhead is located in a quiet suburban area in Prenton, Wirral, and provides specialist palliative care alongside residential, respite, and nursing care for up to 57 residents. Facilities include 24/7 medical assistance, a Catholic chapel and convent, restaurant‑style dining, communal lounges, activity spaces, an on‑site hair salon, and landscaped gardens. 

The external and internal environment was found to be well‑maintained, clean, safe, and welcoming, with a homely atmosphere and dementia‑friendly signage throughout. Bedrooms were personalised, en‑suite, and adaptable to residents’ preferences, and communal areas were free from hazards, well‑arranged, and comfortably furnished. 

Healthwatch representatives observed positive, compassionate interactions between staff and residents, and staffing levels were considered appropriate for resident needs. Approximately 70% of residents are living with dementia, and staff demonstrated good awareness of differing support needs across residential and nursing floors. 

Mealtime arrangements were flexible and responsive, with a wide choice of food available throughout the day, and residents were able to eat at times that suited their individual routines. The main kitchen held a food hygiene rating of five and the dining areas were described as bright, pleasant, and well presented. 

Nazareth House had strong systems in place for infection prevention and control, achieving a 95% compliance score during a recent unannounced inspection. Housekeeping and laundry practices were highlighted as particularly effective, and medication storage and COSHH procedures met expected safety standards. 

The home works closely with a local GP practice, pharmacy, and community services, although managers expressed significant concern about difficulties accessing NHS dental care for residents. Issues were also reported with hospital discharges, including missing medication, pressure sores acquired in hospital, and avoidable readmissions. 

Safeguarding processes were reported as robust, with no safeguarding alerts upheld in the previous year. Falls had reduced due to improved monitoring, staff training, environmental checks, and use of assistive equipment and technology. 

Residents and families were actively involved in care planning, which is reviewed regularly using a “resident of the day” system supported by an electronic care record system. Residents who spoke with Healthwatch representatives expressed high levels of satisfaction with staff, care, cleanliness, food, and the overall environment. 

Staff engagement was strong, with employees reporting good management support, regular training, supervision, and a positive workplace culture. The manager was commended for maintaining safe staffing levels and investing in workforce development, including Care Home Assistant Practitioner training and end‑of‑life care education. 

The report concludes that Nazareth House Birkenhead provides a welcoming, caring, and compassionate service with clear improvements under current management. Healthwatch Wirral recommended that the home continues its momentum on refurbishment and staff training, strengthens collaboration with system partners around hospital discharge, and shares Healthwatch feedback opportunities more widely with residents, families, and staff.