Enter and view: Beechcroft Nursing and Residential Home

Healthwatch Halton conducted an Enter and View visit to Beechcroft Nursing and Residential Home over two separate visits on 5 and 13 Feb 2019.

Observation by the Enter and View representatives reported that the exterior of the home was well-maintained. Although the interior environment was clean and clutter-free, there were areas of the home which required redecoration. A scheduled plan for redecoration had already been developed. The manager noted that there were a total of seven en-suite rooms on the nursing unit that were not fit for purpose as they were too small. Residents dietary requirements and choices were well supported, and the communal areas appeared comfortable and clean. Staff were calm, friendly and dignified in their interactions with residents. Residents appeared to have access to a range of activities and people to support their social and spiritual needs. The Enter and View representatives were informed of a range of primary health care professionals who visited to provide services to residents. It was noted that whilst tabards indicating that Senior Carers are administering medication and should not be disturbed were worn on the nursing unit, these were not worn on the residential unit.

A resident commented that she enjoyed the activities provided at the home. Residents appeared relaxed and well-cared for. A family visitor gave positive feedback on the staff and care management at the home.

The report made two recommendations: to provide Senior Carers responsible for dispensing medication on the residential unit with a tabard to alert staff, visitors and residents that their full concentration is required to reduce the risk of medication errors; and to implement the scheduled plan of redecoration of areas of the home and resolve the issue of the en-suite rooms identified by the manager as not fit for purpose.