Enter and view: Parton House

Healthwatch Gloucestershire undertook an unannounced enter and view visit to Parton House in July 2016.

The visit took place after CQC and Gloucestershire County Council inspections had identified issues, leading to a new management team and a comprehensive review of processes, including plans to increase staffing, improve continuity of care, and reduce reliance on agency staff. 

The home was found to have adequate facilities, including lounges, a dining room, activity spaces, and gardens, and some efforts had been made to improve dementia-friendly signage. However, parts of the environment required redecoration, some areas were underused or uncomfortable, and access to outdoor spaces could be difficult for less mobile residents. 

Observations of staff interaction with residents showed a mix of positive and concerning practices. Some staff demonstrated person-centred care and familiarity with residents, but an incident involving unsafe use of equipment by an agency worker raised concerns about training, supervision, and resident safety.

The report found that activities were available but not consistently engaging. Although schedules existed and some events were enjoyed by residents, participation was limited, there was little social interaction encouraged, and residents were not clearly involved in planning activities.

Regarding nutrition and mealtimes, residents generally had choices and access to snacks, but staff support during meals varied in quality. Some carers interacted well, while others provided limited engagement or inappropriate positioning, which could affect residents’ dignity and comfort. 

Feedback from residents and visitors indicated that care had improved recently, particularly in response times to call bells, although delays could still occur and opportunities for residents to go outside or engage socially were limited.

The report made several recommendations, including improving accessibility and signage, enhancing staff training (especially manual handling and feeding), reviewing the use of facilities, increasing resident involvement in activities, and better monitoring of agency staff skills. 

Following the visit, actions were agreed and improvements were reported, including ongoing monitoring by commissioners, reduced use of agency staff, additional training, greater use of communal areas by residents, and continued efforts to improve care planning and activities.