Enter and View: Beecholme Adult Care

Healthwatch Merton undertook an Enter and View visit in March 2019 to Beecholme Adult Care, a step down facility for people leaving mental health hospital care.  Mental health was a local priority and they had received feedback from service users about this service provider.  They spoke to 6 residents and some staff.

Healthwatch had a good impression of the staff and their relationships with the clients. They found it encouraging that the manager seemed very keen to be more involved with the local community around Beecholme, to increase the opportunities that residents must take part in a variety of activities. Relationships with the Community Mental Health Team appeared to be a strong asset to the service as well, as did the links with former service users, with at least one coming back to help with activities. Healthwatch also felt that the facilities were of a good standard but let down by the atmosphere created by the bland and impersonal décor. The main area that Healthwatch felt needed focussing on is the 12 week programme. As the service is intended for the rehabilitation of those who might otherwise struggle to live independently via teaching and encouraging daily living skills, the lack of definition around what skills exactly are required to be in place and to what standard before clients move on to other accommodation was concerning.

There were 11 recommendations about the treatment, décor, facilities, complaints procedures and activities on offer.  The report includes a response from the provider.