Enter and view: Westgate House Nursing Home

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook an Enter and View visit to Westgate House Nursing Home on 24 September 2015.

The visit found that the home provided a welcoming environment with a busy and positive atmosphere. Residents generally spoke positively about the care they received, describing staff as caring and competent. Bedrooms were spacious and personalised, and residents expressed satisfaction with their accommodation. The home supported people with complex mental health needs and dementia, and staff were observed interacting positively with residents. 

Feedback about food was largely positive, with residents reporting that meals were enjoyable and freshly prepared. The home offered a range of activities, including music therapy, entertainers, hairdressing and outings, although Healthwatch observed limited organised activity during the visit itself. Relatives described staff as kind and supportive, and the home promoted an open-door approach to communication with families.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire recommended improving the appearance of some corridors and outdoor areas, increasing opportunities for planned activities and resident choice, and improving arrangements for responding to telephone enquiries. The provider accepted the recommendations, reporting that gardens had been maintained, activities were already taking place on most weekdays and plans were in place to introduce an answerphone system.