Enter and view: St Catherines Care Home, Bolton

Healthwatch Bolton conducted an announced Enter and View visit to St Catherines Care Home on 16 July 2015. The team interviewed 7 staff members, spoke with 7 residents and 1 relative during the visit and their observations were noted using a predetermined checklist. The main objective of the visit was to understand how dignity and choice was being respected and observe the care home environment.

The team observed that the home was operating to a very good standard of care and residents were treated with dignity and respect. They saw evidence of staff interacting positively with patients, however, staffing levels was raised as an issue as they feel they do not get to spend enough time with residence. The staff received regular training. The report also highlighted some areas of concern. Staff raised concerns about access to community dentists. Residents commented that they experienced long waits to receive toileting support. The team were informed that there was a range of activities, individually tailored to suit the resident. Some residents suggested that they did not agree with this, but the team were informed that an activity coordinator due to start, may resolve this.

The report recommended that the home is to monitor staffing levels and the attitude of staff on the evening shift, to monitor the personal care residents receive, and for Healthwatch Bolton to communicate the issue of access to community dental services to the service providers and commissioners.

The report did not include a response from the services provider.