Agenda item

Selina Rodrigues, the Head of Healthwatch Barnet at CommUnity Barnet, introduced a report that contained the Enter and View visits undertaken by volunteers to the following premises in Barnet:  Sonesta Nursing Home; Nightingale Hammerson House; and Grace House.

Sonesta Nursing Home:

Ms. Rodrigues advised the Committee that the volunteers had highlighted that Nightingale Hammerson was undergoing a significant programme of change, which was being highlighted by both residents and staff.  The Committee noted that food had been raised as an issue at the home, but that the volunteers  were aware that the home was taking action to address this. 

Ms. Rodrigues advised the Committee that as a result of the change that the nursing home was undergoing, the premise was being recommended for a re-visit by the Enter and view Team.

Referring to the Sonesta Nursing Home Report, a Member questioned if two of the HeatlhWatch volunteers who had visited were related.  Ms Rodrigues advised that they were. Ms Rodrigues advised that it would normally be the case that they would carry out the same visit, but on this occasion, these were the volunteers available on that specific date for the visit. As a point of information, Ms Rodrigues noted that the Enter and View volunteer teams are usually of four people, comprising both men and women.

A Member of the Committee expressed concerns that some corridors only had hand rails on one side.  Ms. Rodrigues advised that it could be possible that the number of handrails might depend on the width of the corridor, and that she would take this matter back to Sonesta Nursing Home.

A Member expressed concern that the Enter and View Volunteers did not see any drinks being served with the meal during their visit.  The Committee noted the importance of drinking water and requested that this be raised with the nursing home.

Nightingale Hammerson:

A Member of the Committee noted that food had been mentioned as an issue in the home.

Grace House:

A Member of the Committee commented that the Enter and View team had expressed concern over records and policies not being produced when required.     

A Member of the committee questioned how many HealthWatch Enter and View visits had taken place within Barnet to date.  Ms. Rodrigues advised that 21 visits  had taken place to date, and that there was a target of 30 visits in the first year.

A Member of the Committee expressed concern over the visibility of nursing homes from the road, commenting that Grace House was reported to not have a sign displaying the home’s name.  The Member advised that poor visibility could be a problem for emergency services.  Ms. Rodrigues advised that she would take this matter up with Grace House. 

RESOLVED that:

1)    The Committee note the Enter and View Reports;

2)    The Committee request that HealthWatch Barnet pass their concerns about handrails to Sonesta Nursing Home;

3)    The Committee request that HealthWatch Barnet clarify the policy of serving drinks with meals at Sonesta Nursing Home.;

4)    The Committee request that HealthWatch Barnet raise the issue of visibility and signage at Grace House with the home.