Enter and view: The Porterbrook

Healthwatch Sheffield carried out an Enter and View visit to The Porterbrook, a 44-bed residential care home providing dementia and residential care. Overall, the home was described as clean, comfortable and welcoming, with pleasant communal areas, en-suite bedrooms and a range of facilities including a cinema room, hairdressing salon and gym. Residents generally spoke positively about the home, with one resident stating they liked living there, while relatives and staff highlighted improvements under the current management. Staff members reported feeling supported, valued regular supervision and described the home as a positive place to work.

Feedback about care was mixed. Many relatives praised staff for being friendly, approachable and caring, and Healthwatch observed positive interactions between staff and residents. However, several relatives raised concerns about staffing levels, particularly during busy periods such as mealtimes, reporting delays in answering call bells and supporting residents with personal care. Some relatives also felt staff did not always have enough time to get to know residents well, particularly those who had recently moved into the home. 

Activities and food generally received positive feedback. Staff described a varied activity programme including exercise sessions, entertainers and community visits, although some relatives felt there were insufficient opportunities for outings and that activities were not always accessible for residents with higher support needs. Food was widely praised, with residents and relatives commenting positively on quality and choice. However, concerns were raised about access to healthcare, particularly medication management. Several relatives reported occasions where residents had run low on or run out of medication, and some raised concerns about GP registration arrangements and aspects of personal care. 

The report also highlighted concerns about communication and involvement. Some relatives felt complaints were not always handled effectively and wanted greater involvement in their relatives' care and in residents’ meetings. Healthwatch recommended reviewing staffing levels, improving monitoring of medication supplies, ensuring residents are registered with GP practices promptly, increasing opportunities for residents with higher care needs to participate in activities, strengthening communication with relatives and providing clearer feedback and complaints processes. The provider responded positively, outlining actions already taken and clarifying aspects of the home's procedures.