Enter and view: Wingates

Healthwatch Bolton undertook an Enter and View visit to Wingates Residential Home on 25 September 2018.

The visit found that residents were generally happy with the home and spoke positively about the staff and manager. Residents appeared clean, well presented and treated with dignity and respect, and staff were observed interacting with residents in a friendly and supportive manner. The home was described as clean and homely, although parts of the décor were considered tired and in need of refurbishment. 

Staff were seen assisting residents at breakfast, checking on their wellbeing and supporting them with medication where needed. Residents were positive about food choices and the support provided by staff. However, Healthwatch observed limited recreational activity during the visit, few sources of stimulation in communal lounges and little evidence of residents participating in activities. Concerns were also raised about unlocked cleaning and kitchen areas, an outdated e-learning training system for staff and the potential for confusion caused by the layout of the building. 

Healthwatch Bolton recommended refreshing and updating parts of the home, improving security for hazardous areas, enhancing staff training arrangements, increasing and better promoting activities, providing more stimulation in communal areas and ensuring breakfast choices, including cooked breakfasts, were actively offered to all residents. The provider accepted most recommendations and reported taking action, including securing cleaning and kitchen areas, sourcing a replacement e-learning system, increasing information about activities, improving signage and adding more reading materials and stimulation within communal areas.