Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home
Healthwatch North Yorkshire has a legal power to visit health and social care services and see them in action. This power is known as 'Enter and View' and offers a way for us to meet some of our statutory functions and to identify what is working well with services and where they could be improved. We also get a response from the care homes to our recommended actions.
Read the full report:
Saint Cecilia's Nursing Home
Purpose of the visit
- To visit and gather views of the residents and their relatives and the experiences of the services provided.
- To observe the ongoing care being provided for the residents and their interaction with staff and their surroundings.
During the visit
Our authorised representatives visited the home and spoke with residents, residents’ relatives and friends, and care home staff, as well as conducted a planned observation.
We heard from:
• 16 residents,
• 17 residents’ friends or family members,
• 14 members of staff,
whose feedback forms the basis of this report and our rating of the Saint Cecilia’s nursing home.
Key findings
We found that, at the time of our visit, Saint Cecilia's Nursing Home was operating at a high standard. The care home is well-maintained, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the residents are well-cared for. These findings are based on our observations, as well as feedback received by Healthwatch from residents, their families and friends, and staff members. They reflect the general happiness and overall environment of the home.
However, there were a few issues highlighted and we have made suggestions for review and improvement including the need for updates to decor in some communal spaces and bedrooms, enhancing parking availability and signage for better accessibility. Additionally, addressing challenges related to room configurations and the provision of suitable toilets and shower facilities should be considered.
Positive feedback
- The care home is generally well-maintained, creating a clean and inviting environment for residents and visitors.
- Staff members at Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home are described as friendly, kind, and considerate. They are actively engaged in addressing residents' care needs, which contributes to a more dynamic atmosphere in communal areas.
- Residents have a variety of meal choices, and the food is described as appetising and well-nourishing. The availability of different meal options and dietary requirements is appreciated by residents.
- Residents generally feel safe and adequately cared for.
- Staff members report high job satisfaction and feel appreciated in the workplace. Teamwork is highlighted as excellent, contributing to a positive atmosphere
Recommended areas for improvement
- Improve social engagement amongst residents by introducing more inclusive and stimulating activities. Consider diversifying the range of activities to cater to various interests and mobility levels. Encourage residents to actively participate in social interactions and events.
- Address the decor in communal spaces and bedrooms to create a more vibrant environment. Use colours, artwork, and decor elements that promote a positive atmosphere. Regularly update the decor to maintain a fresh environment.
- Improve parking availability and signage for better accessibility for visitors. Consider providing visitors with local parking discs to alleviate parking issues and enhance the overall experience.
- Review room configurations to optimise space and enhance residents' comfort, wherever possible, to promote independence.
- Evaluate staffing levels on weekends, holidays, and during shift handovers to ensure consistent care.
- Review and improve continence care practices, ensuring that residents' needs are promptly and comfortably met. Train staff to assist residents without causing discomfort and maintain accurate care assessments for each resident.
- Review the staff well-being support policy to ensure that appropriate and relevant support is offered to the team and that concerns about workload are addressed.
- Reinstate regular meetings with relatives to provide a collaborative platform for families and friends to express concerns, share updates and gather feedback. Enhance family involvement in care planning and reviews.
- Medication ordering to be monitored by the deputy and clinical lead in 2023 on a weekly basis.
- Hearing and vision tests for the home and a dentist to be sourced for those who live in the home.
- Source audio books and talking books for resident's in the home.
- A resident's dependency tool to be reviewed by the manager or clinical lead every Friday and evidenced.
Response by nursing home
All of the actions are being worked on by the home, some discussed at team meetings, and will be completed by 1 January 2024.
