Enter and view: Bourne House Nursing Home

Healthwatch Kingston undertook an Enter and View visit to Bourne House Nursing Home on 2 and 9 September 2025. The visit found that the home was generally well run, with a warm and friendly atmosphere, caring staff and positive feedback from residents and relatives. Residents appeared well cared for, the home was clean and well maintained, and staff were observed interacting with residents in a patient, respectful and reassuring manner. Relatives praised the quality of care, communication and support provided by staff. 

Mealtimes were generally positive, with residents enjoying the food and staff supporting those who needed assistance. The dining room provided a sociable environment and residents praised the quality of meals. However, some residents eating in lounge areas received less supervision, some experienced delays in receiving food, and opportunities for meaningful choice at mealtimes were limited. Healthwatch also noted concerns about a lack of drink choices, inconsistent support with eating, and the need to provide more culturally appropriate meal options when requested.

The home offered a range of activities including music, games, themed events, gardening, visiting entertainers and dog therapy. Residents and relatives spoke positively about these activities, and the garden was viewed as a particular asset. However, there were concerns that some residents, particularly those with dementia, had limited opportunities for movement and stimulation, that some activity equipment and communal areas were left untidy, and that facilities such as the Namaste room and chicken coop were not being fully utilised. Staff and relatives also felt there should be more outings and greater use of the home's minibus.

Healthwatch Kingston made a range of recommendations, including improving the condition of furniture and communal areas, creating more social lounge layouts, updating noticeboards, improving support during mealtimes, providing greater choice of food and drinks, ensuring culturally appropriate meals are available when requested, increasing opportunities for activities and outings, making the environment more dementia-friendly, and finding better uses for underused garden facilities. The home accepted the recommendations and outlined actions to address them.