Enter and view: Woodview Care Home

Healthwatch Lincolnshire undertook an announced enter and view visit to Woodview Care Home on 22 May 2024. During this visit, six residents, four relatives and two members of staff had conversations with Healthwatch

Woodview Care Home is clean, tidy and has residents’ artwork displayed in communal areas of the home. These areas include corridors, dining room and reading room.

Residents said that they felt safe and looked after. The staff were friendly, approachable and supportive. They were aware that there had been some changes over the last six months, such as painting doors, displaying artwork and fire alarms being replaced. 

Residents and relatives expressed that they would like to have a daily activity programme with more variety and to include outings (e.g., visits to the seaside).

Relatives said that Woodview was the best choice for their loved one and all relatives expressed that they felt that the home supported their loved one as an individual. They also mentioned that there had been some changes taking place such as a refurbishment programme and new staff joining. They felt that the staff team worked well together and were professional, friendly and supportive to their loved ones. 

Relatives felt that communication from the new owners had been poor and would like to see this improved. Ideas included a newsletter and relative meetings such as coffee mornings/afternoons.

The staff expressed that over the last six months there has been a programme of refurbishment in the home, including painting, replacing doors and fire alarms. The system used to record information about the residents has also improved, being simpler and more efficient for the staff to use. 

With new staff joining the team, there have been challenges around areas of responsibility and working together in the best interests of the residents. Staff recognised that new staff members need a settling in period and to learn how the team works well together. As everyone settles into their role, this is improving and things are running smoothly

Woodview Care Home is not always kept informed by the hospital teams when a patient will be discharged back to the home. This can lead to some challenges for the home as the residents may need additional support when they first come back. Communication is usually via the senior nurse or care support worker on shift at the time of discharge.

The report contains four recommendations.