Enter and view: The Knolls

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted an announced enter and view report to The Knolls residential home on 30 April 2015. The visit was part of a wider programme of enter and views to understand how dignity is respected in the home. On the day of the visit, the team engaged with 2 residents, 2 staff members and 1 relative using survey and observation methods.

The home was clean with a warm atmosphere. Residents at the home were found to be well cared for with evidence of dignity being respected, however, some issues were raised in the report. The home’s menu was balanced and nutritious and mealtimes were suitable for the residents. Residents could also choose where to take their meals, however the quality of food was described by some as poor. There was evidence of social activities on offer to residents. The residents spoken to were given the option of taking part in organised activities along with their relatives. Some residents felt that the range of activities was limited. Relatives meetings are held quarterly and they suggested that they were appreciative of the care given to their relatives. Staff, although providing good interactions with residents, did not all have a name badge to identify themselves. The team heard that night staff was difficult to recruit for.

The report made a number of recommendations including the home to consider the salary structure for night staff, the recruitment of a chef manager to be treated as a matter of urgency and for all new staff to undergo rigorous training in the levels of care expected of them. In addition, they suggested that name badges are to be worn by all staff members and that that access to Wifi in the home is investigated. They recommended that the report be shared within the home.

The service provider responded to the recommendations with a detailed action plan with key dates and staff responsible to make improvements to the home.