Enter and view: Symphony House Nursing Home
Download (PDF 525.37 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Northamptonshire gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch Northamptonshire to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.
Healthwatch Northamptonshire visited Symphony House Nursing Home on 19 March 2018.
The key findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. The report informs the home was very welcoming to the two Healthwatch Northamptonshire volunteers. Time was readily provided by the manager to give them information and an insight into the work of the home. They were free to interact with residents who were willing and able to talk to them. There was an open and friendly atmosphere. It was clear from the residents we spoke to that they felt “at home” and at ease in the home. In addition, good, friendly relationships between residents and staff were observed. They indicated there was kind, caring and person-centred approach within the home. Relatives and close friends were recognised as being important to both residents, and those close to them. They were encouraged to take part in the various social activities organised by the home, and it was clear this was appreciated. There was also recognition that the home was part of the local community, and efforts made to involve them with an “open door” policy, by encouraging individual volunteering and links with local groups. Whilst there was a friendly, informal atmosphere, it was clear there are the necessary systems in place for monitoring areas such as hydration, nutrition, cognition, etc. to ensure ongoing awareness of individual health and wellbeing issues.
Following the visit Healthwatch Northamptonshire recommended that consideration to be given to the introduction of opportunities to enable residents to go out with a member of staff to access local shops and other facilities in the community.