Enter and view: New Fairholme

Healthwatch Shropshire gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch Shropshire to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch Shropshire visited New Fairholme, on the 22/05/2014.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. These findings regarding the staff and their experiences of delivering care at New Fairholme Healthwatch Shropshire found that Coverage Care provides a foundation of training for new staff as well as offering different opportunities for training at different levels. The two staff members asked both said they would appreciate training, or more training, in dementia. Clearly the change to a new site presented challenges to the staff team, especially with the doubling of the team size, but the visit team found no indication of a high turnover of staff, indeed we met a few members of staff who had been with the organisation for a number of years. The management appeared alert to, and well informed on, all aspects of providing care to a resident population with a very wide spectrum of needs. They are supported in delivering care that reflects this spectrum through not being pressurised into having all beds filled at all times. It appears the environment can sometimes be stressful for the staff members. Residents of New Fairholme appeared to be well-cared for: two residents told Healthwatch Shropshire , unprompted, that they were content with their care. All the staff we met and observed seemed calm, cheerful and kind in their interactions with residents. The visiting team was concerned by a family member’s report that the call bell was not always answered. A number of staff at New Fairholme expressed ideas for continuous improvement of the care and the environment. The visiting team felt the building was both well designed and well furnished, with plenty of light and space, as well as providing a safe and secure garden for residents. Additionally, the standards of cleanliness are very high.

The recommendations within the report was staff training should be reviewed with an emphasis on Dementia awareness for all staff who come into contact with residents. New Fairholme should review whether their staffing levels are adequate to meet the physical needs of the residents. The introduction of a suggestions box may encourage staff to share ideas for continuously improving the care and the environment.