Enter and view: Cherry Tree, Buckinghamshire

This is an Enter and View report from Healthwatch Buckinghamshire (HWB). Four representatives visited the Cherry Tree home on the 9th September 2015.

The team have summarised their findings for this report through the following themes: How people are treated; personal choice; 'just like being at home; privacy and quality of life. This was an unscheduled Enter and View visit in that the care home were given up to 2 weeks’ notice of the intention to visit but not the time and date. Authorised representatives noted what they observed and were told. Cherry Tree provided nursing care for up to 36 older residents at the time of their visit. The team talked to 1 relative, 4 members of staff and 8 residents and observed another 14 residents and staff.

The HWB representatives made this summary of findings:

- Needs were quickly anticipated by attentive staff

- All areas were being used by the residents and several were seen to move locations rather

than remain seated in just one area; just like you would at home.

The HWB recommended that Cherry Tree:

- Replaces the plastic biscuit boxes with old fashioned tin ones and offer the tin to the

resident rather than give one biscuit to each person. It would also be more like home if tea

could be served in crockery, rather, than plastic mugs, where this is safe to do so.

Service Provider Response

Thank you for showing courtesy to our staff and residents during your visit to Cherry Tree Nursing Home. Your recommendations have been considered; however due to infection control risk and food hygiene regulation it has not been possible to replace the plastic biscuit boxes with old fashioned tin ones. Crockery is available in the home, including facilities to prepare their own tea and coffee in the dining room. However the staff would consider residents ' choice and needs when serving the tea. This is part of the admission process and it is also reviewed regularly.