Enter and view: Oak Farm

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 Oak Farm, on the 03/03/2014.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. These findings informed the staff were very encouraging with the service users about their skills and their abilities. The method of asking service users to share their skills with each other, and to learn from each other – and not just rely on staff - recognised the skill base that the experienced service user had, encouraged sharing, and encouraged service users to pass on their knowledge to others. Staff had also used technology to help service users reflect on past experiences. This encouragement indicates a strong promotion of independence and capabilities. The visit team was impressed with the philosophy that underpinned how Oak Farm operates that was articulated by the service manager. There was a strong emphasis on making links to the wider community because of the benefits it can bring the service users. These include increased opportunities for activities and greater integration leading to reduced discrimination and removal of some of the stigma around learning disabilities. The range of activities that was available, or had previously taken place, demonstrated that there are passionate and imaginative staff who work hard to overcome the financial barriers they face. Although Oak Farm is popular, with many people attending currently, there is potentially a question mark regarding its future. Currently a steering group are working on behalf of the community and Oak Farm to establish a Community Land Trust. This will give parish residents an opportunity to become further involved with Oak Farm. The land will hopefully be transferred in the next few months from Shropshire Council to the Community Land Trust.

Healthwatch Shropshire hope that it will be possible for Oak Farm to continue to provide present standards of care and respect for people’s dignity in both the short and long term.