Enter and view: Northwood Nursing and Residential Home

Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen carried out an Enter and View visit to Northwood Nursing and Residential Home, a 27-bed service supporting older people, including those living with dementia and physical disabilities. The home received an overall green rating and was found to be undergoing a positive period of change following the arrival of a new provider earlier in 2022. Representatives observed a welcoming atmosphere, caring staff and a clear programme of environmental improvements across the home. Staff reported feeling well supported by the new leadership team and highlighted increased training and development opportunities.

Residents generally spoke positively about their experiences, describing staff as approachable, kind and supportive. Many reported feeling happy and safe, and valued the balance between independence and assistance. The home offered a range of communal spaces, including lounges, a library, a hairdressing salon and an attractive outdoor gazebo area. Healthwatch also noted positive examples of person-centred care, including specialised equipment, upgraded bedrooms and a dedicated end-of-life "Serenity Suite" designed to support residents and families during difficult times.

Feedback on food was largely positive, with residents describing meals as tasty and well prepared. However, some residents felt that there could be more choice at mealtimes. During the lunchtime observation, staff were attentive and supportive, providing encouragement where needed and accommodating individual preferences. Residents also spoke positively about film nights, pamper sessions, walks and planned celebrations, although Healthwatch found limited evidence of a formal activity schedule being consistently displayed around the home. Out-of-date information on some noticeboards and orientation displays was also identified as an area for improvement.

Healthwatch concluded that Northwood was a caring and improving service with strong staff-resident relationships, visible leadership and a positive culture. Recommendations focused on enhancing activity information, improving orientation displays, increasing menu choice and continuing environmental improvements already underway. The provider responded positively, confirming that actions had been added to an improvement plan, including increasing menu choices, reducing clutter and introducing a disabled parking space. The provider also noted that the home subsequently received a Good rating across all five domains during a CQC inspection in September 2022.