Enter and view: Winsor House

Healthwatch Somerset carried out an enter and view visit to Winsor House in Minehead on 12 August 2015 to understand residents’ experiences of living in the home and accessing health and social care services. Winsor House provided nursing care for up to 40 residents, with 38 residents living there at the time of the visit. Healthwatch spoke with residents and staff during the visit, although the report did not specify the total number of people interviewed. 

The visit found that residents were generally happy with the care they received and described staff as kind, friendly and respectful. Healthwatch observed staff delivering care in a dignified and supportive way and noted examples of good practice, including dementia support groups, strong community links, regular visits from local nursery children, life story work with residents and an enthusiastic activities programme. Residents also spoke positively about their rooms, the quality of the food and the overall environment.

The home offered a wide range of activities, including trips out, music sessions, pet therapy, gardening, crafts, pamper days and themed events. However, Healthwatch observed that some residents spent periods of time with little to occupy them. The report also identified concerns about communication with hospitals following discharge, difficulties with pharmacy ordering systems, inconsistent access to physiotherapy and podiatry services, and the absence of hearing loop facilities for residents with hearing loss.

Healthwatch concluded that Winsor House provided a suitable and caring environment with good access to many health and social care services. Recommendations included improving support for residents with hearing loss, developing internet access, introducing memory boxes for residents, expanding activities further, strengthening community involvement and addressing issues relating to hospital discharge communication and access to some healthcare services.