Enter and view: Millread Lodge

Healthwatch Calderdale and Healthwatch Kirklees undertook an enter and view visit to Millreed Lodge on 25 March 2025.

Overall, the visit to Millreed Lodge was positive. Staff were kind, and the manager was enthusiastic about improvements. We enjoyed speaking to residents and the staff team and it was lovely to have lunch there and feel welcomed. Staff were observed to be attentive, smiling, and respectful, creating a cheerful and supportive atmosphere.

Healthwatch observed that residents are generally happy with their care, and many described the staff as family-like. The environment, although shaped by an older building, had a welcoming feel due to the staff team. There were good examples of thoughtful care, such as staff singing with residents, assisting them kindly, and it was evident that staff genuinely cared about providing residents with a good quality of life. 

Some things could be improved, like the lounge layout, the impact of multiple media sources playing at once, and the user-ease of the sign-in book. While uniforms add to professionalism, the use of more casual clothing or flexibility in staff presentation may help contribute to a more homely feel, pictures on walls and plants can enhance this further. There is also potential to build on the existing good work in supporting resident transitions with small, meaningful changes. 

The strong relationships between staff and residents are a major asset and should be celebrated. With some environmental tweaks and continued responsiveness to feedback, Millreed Lodge is well-positioned to enhance the quality of life for its residents even further.