Care home project

Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh undertook research into the experiences of care home staff in accessing health and adult social care services for their residents post Covid. This report was in response to anecdotal reports to Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh that some services were still running pandemic style models of service delivery. The project group initially consisted of 11 volunteers supported by Healthwatch staff. Fifteen care homes responded to requests for visits and invitations to be part of the project and visits took place between October 2022 and March 2023.

Authorised representatives who are volunteers for Healthwatch conducted the visits to care homes across the Borough. Findings were mixed for many of the services with homes experiencing largely good services but others identifying where things could be improved. Without exception, the homes expressed concern regarding the service from Speech and Language services which clearly caused them some anxiety.

The aims of the project were shared with both Health and Social Care providers and all care homes across the Borough were invited to share their experiences. 

The report will be shared with relevant parties via the Healthwatch Board of Directors and Chief Officer and contains 7 recommendations.