Gallion's View Care Home

Summary of findings

Building

The home is located close to a bus route, with ample parking space. Although there were no visible disabled ramps, whilst we were there we observed wheelchair bound residents on the care home grounds.

The site at Gallions View presents a challenge for the new staff and patients. The home is spread over five sites, two of which are empty. Of the other three sites, two are residential and the third hosts the administration block which includes the kitchen. There is no direct internal access to the residential sites from the administrative block and consequently meals need to be wheeled across externally. In the residential sites themselves, there are no means of cooking or heating food.

Communal areas

The reception area was clean and welcoming, and a receptionist was there to greet visitors and make them feel welcome. The recent CQC report was clearly displayed as well as other policies and documents.

The public areas were clean and with handrails, but due to the narrowness of the corridors we observed difficulties when a wheelchair and the medicine trolley were trying to pass along the corridor simultaneously.

Each site had a small sensory room, which we welcomed, but these have limited use due to the small space. The sensory unit is mobile and can be used in the resident’s room if required. A room on the ground floor of each residential site is used as the dining, lounge and activities area. This is a challenge for nursing staff, especially at meals times, as the meal trolley also needs to be accommodated in this space. Most residents are not able to feed or serve themselves and this is done by the staff. The kitchen area was clean, and chef was clear of the resident’s dietary needs.

The toilets and bathroom areas were acceptable, but due to the high usage of the facilities it is essential that cleaning rotas are clearly displayed and are maintained. We were informed that there is house keeper that comes in daily from 8am -6pm, but outside of these hours staff are responsible for the cleaning of the toilets and bathrooms.

Residents Bedroom's

The residential blocks are made up of three bungalows. Bedrooms at the home are small and do not have en-suite toilet facilities. The internal furnishings, such as beds, are small and basic.

Staff and resident relationships

We were able to observe staff interaction with the residents whilst they were in the dining area and administering nursing care. Staff and residents’ interactions appeared to be good and the staff appeared to know the residents’ names and have formed a relationship with them. They acted respectfully and treated the patients with dignity, and they came across as caring and patient.

Summary

Management and the staff are dedicated and passionate to the care and well-being of the residents. The physical space presents challenges, but staff are fully aware of them and are working hard to over come them, ensuring that residents receive the best possible care at all times.