Enter and view: Heathgrove Lodge

Healthwatch Barnet carried out an announced follow-up Enter and View visit to Heathgrove Lodge on 10 April 2018. The purpose of the visit was to review progress since a previous inspection in July 2017 and to discuss improvements made under the leadership of the new manager.

The visit found that several actions had been taken to improve safety and access within the home. Additional card-controlled doors had been installed to prevent inappropriate access by visitors to certain areas, and measures had been introduced to reduce potential hazards in outdoor areas. Some access issues, such as the need for a ramp at the patio entrance, remained but were being managed through staff supervision and extra care. 

Inspectors noted significant work to improve care planning, undertaken with support from Barnet Council’s Care Quality Team. The manager reported that these improvements had contributed to a reduction in hospital admissions. The home also maintained procedures to reassess residents following longer hospital stays before discharge back to the care home. 

The home had made efforts to improve residents’ wellbeing and social engagement. Staff were actively encouraging residents to leave their rooms more often and participate in communal mealtimes and activities, while still respecting individual choice. Healthwatch observed residents actively engaging in activities and providing positive feedback about their experiences. Plans were also in place to increase the use of the garden and involve residents in gardening activities. 

Recruitment and retention of staff remained a challenge, reflecting broader issues across the care sector. In response, BUPA had introduced staff benefits and incentives, and a new deputy manager was due to join the home. Staff training arrangements were well established, with all new employees completing a four-day induction programme before starting work. 

The catering team was described as enthusiastic and committed, and the organisation was reviewing food provision to better reflect residents’ cultural preferences and dietary needs. The manager also maintained regular discussions with residents, relatives and carers to gather feedback and ensure the home reflected residents’ wishes and preferences. 

The manager reported that processing times for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications had improved since the previous visit. 

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that the manager had made a very positive impact on Heathgrove Lodge. Inspectors found evidence of supportive leadership, a caring staff culture and a strong commitment to making residents feel at home. The report described the home as a well-run and caring environment.