Enter and view: St Georges Park

Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin conducted an announced Enter and View on St Georges Park Care Home on 16 April 2015. The visit was arranged as part of Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin’s Enter and View schedule.

Observations by the Enter and View representatives reported that: during the visit a Safeguarding issue was identified and was reported to management; premises had a very homely feel and rooms were spacious and nicely personalised; residents complimented the food, but were not necessarily aware of the different choices of food at meal times which sometimes led residents not liking their food; some relatives mentioned that clothing and hearing aides were frequently lost at the care home.

Residents commented on how good the entertainment is in the home. Some said that more regular bingo sessions would be appreciated.

Relatives commented that the residents’ dignity and respect is maintained with all members of staff knocking on the doors before entering, as well as “do not disturb” signs hung up on door handles when personal care is being delivered.

The report recommended the following:

• Lower the level of the desk-area for Reception, so that the receptionist can be clearly seen by the residents or visitors.

• Introduce a staff-board that shows staff names and pictures.

• Re-start the regular bingo sessions for the residents.

• All residents should be made aware of all of the food choices available at each stage during meal times.

• Ensure that relatives are able to more easily identify their relative’s assigned ‘carer of the day’

• Mark the Residents clothing to reduce the number of lost or mislaid items. Include making names on spectacles and hearing aids too to assist staff or relatives, as EMI Residents are unlikely to be able to identify these themselves.

• When an announced HWTW Enter and View visit to the home is planned, ensure the information pack (posters and leaflets) provided to the home prior to the visit are displayed and distributed, so that residents, their relatives and visitors are aware of the intended visit (date/time) and opportunities to share their experiences.

In response to the report, management confirmed that they reported and dealt with the safeguarding issue, and now the case is closed. Management also outlined their plan to address the issues raised in the report.