Enter and view: Turn Furlong Specialist Care Centre

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook an Enter and View visit to Turn Furlong Specialist Care Centre on 28 July 2015.

The visit found that the centre provided a clean, spacious and welcoming environment with a calm atmosphere and a strong focus on safety. Residents and relatives were very positive about the service, describing staff as caring, respectful and responsive. Residents reported feeling well looked after, having choices about their daily lives and receiving good support with personal care, healthcare needs and rehabilitation. Staff were observed interacting warmly with residents and involving families in care decisions.

Food and refreshments were viewed positively, with residents able to choose where they ate and having access to snacks and drinks throughout the day. Relatives and residents praised the quality of care and the overall environment. Activities were available, particularly through the on-site day centre and rehabilitation programme, although Healthwatch felt there was limited visible evidence of activities taking place during the visit and suggested a wider range could be beneficial for some residents.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire concluded that Turn Furlong delivered a high standard of person-centred care with many examples of good practice. Recommendations included providing more information about the service for residents and relatives, reviewing opportunities for activities, reminding staff to discuss personal matters privately, considering smaller food portions for some residents and encouraging staff to become Dignity Champions and Dementia Friends. The provider responded that many residents were heavily involved in rehabilitation activities and highlighted the range of exercise sessions, entertainment, outreach activities and therapy dog visits already available.