Positive Healthwatch review of Newhey Manor Care Home

Healthwatch Rochdale

A positive Enter and View report of Newhey Manor Care Home has been published by Healthwatch Rochdale, following their visit on 22 August.

During the visit, Healthwatch observed staff members treated residents with respect and kindness and were patient in their interactions. Staff members worked well together as a team, especially during the busy lunch time period when the manager also got involved chatting with residents and handing out meals.

Healthwatch also observed strong and visible management, with staff feeling supported by the manager. Staff were commended for being friendly, calm and patient with residents, and for having an open environment where feedback is actively sought and used.

Residents who Healthwatch spoke with seemed ‘generally happy’ at Newhey Manor, feeling that staff knew their needs and likes and dislikes, with residents enjoying the varied choice of food at mealtimes.

The home had a timetable of activities displayed in the lounge and fortnightly sessions from Active Minds. Despite this, representatives were unable to see any evidence of activities being tailored to the preference of residents and there appeared little activity for residents to be involved in on the day of the visit with no activities being observed.

A family member Healthwatch spoke with seemed happy with the home and said that the staff were all really good, however they felt the lack of outdoor space let the home down a little and they expressed their wish for somewhere to sit outdoors with their family member.

Following the visit recommendations were made which included:

• Review the initial induction period for new members of staff and provide assurance through word of mouth/poster to those who visit the home of the current training process for all new staff members
• Asking residents what activities they would like to do in the home and use their likes, dislikes, personality and life history to develop activities and an activities programme
• Having a ‘you said, we did’ board for both residents and staff feedback to demonstrate how giving feedback can make a positive difference
• Look at making more use of the outdoor field for residents who would like to sit outside

Kate Jones, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The manager at Newhey Manor was seen to be actively involved with the day to day tasks in the home and the people we spoke with all appeared to be happy with the care they were receiving.

“We would like to see more demonstration of how residents and family members can shape their experience whilst living in the home which could be achieved through our recommendations of a ‘you said, we did’ board and having an activities timetable that is informed by resident’s requests and their preferences.”