Enter and view: Chilton Croft

Healthwatch Suffolk undertook an enter and view visit to Chilton Croft Nursing Home on 15 July 2015.

The purpose of the visit was to gather information about the extent of resident choice, their involvement in the care delivered and in care planning. 

The Enter & View team (E&V team) are able to report that since the last Care Quality Commission (CQC) report dated 13 April 2015, changes have been made to the management structure within Chilton Croft with the appointment of a senior management team replacing the previous model of a sole Owner / Manager. 

The recruitment and subsequent selection staff is now more robust, with all staff having DBS and professional checks carried out prior to employment. Induction of staff includes a two week ‘work experience’ period where new staff work alongside senior staff. Formal training includes moving and handling, infection prevention and food hygiene. Should staff require any additional training such as Basic Skills this was commissioned by the Owner / Manager. 

Residents and staff spoken to during the visit felt well supported. Relatives were satisfied with the care that their family member received. Healthwatch reported that they observed little formalised activity taking place. The large lounge had an institutional feel about it with high backed, winged chairs arranged around the walls and in front of the windows, effectively prohibiting informal interaction.

 Most interaction between residents and staff was in response to need. This care was delivered in a calm and reassuring manner. Despite the day of the visit being sunny, no residents were seen accessing the garden from the lounge