Wolverhampton care homes to be visited by campaigners in bid to improve standards

The homes will receive unannounced visits over the next 12 months as part of ongoing work by social care campaigners Healthwatch.

The watchdog’s ‘Enter and View’ programme will see representatives from the organisation enter homes to find out what it's really like to live in them and highlight what can be improved.

Elizabeth Learoyd, chief officer at Healthwatch Wolverhampton, said: “Our representatives are visiting adult care homes in the area to observe how the service is being delivered.

“We’re also talking to users, their relatives and carers as well as staff to build an accurate picture of patient experience and the standards of the service.

“Our findings, containing details of any areas of concern and our recommendations, will then be shared with service providers.”

According to CQC there are currently around 230 care homes in the city, providing care to thousands of people.

So far this year, CQC has inspected 45 homes. Last month, two out of three services rated by the CQC were good, whilst one was rated as inadequate.

Elizabeth added: “The Enter and View initiative gives individuals a voice by helping them to speak up about their care – both good and bad.

“The programme enables us to visit any heath or social care provider, including care homes, hospital services and primary care services including GP practices.

“And because we can attend unannounced, the projects provide a revealing insight into standards and performance in the same way that the retail industry uses mystery shoppers to measure customer service.

“The visits are not inspections but they do help us gather insightful feedback that will highlight areas of good practice as well any issues that need to be addressed.”

The programme complements monitoring work carried out by the City of Wolverhampton Council and the Care Quality Commission.

Healthwatch Wolverhampton currently has a group of 26 trained volunteers who carry out various Enter and View visits, but is keen to recruit more.

Mrs Learoyd added: “We’d like to review more services more often, so we’re looking to get as many people as possible signed up.

“The work of our volunteers helps to shape health and social care services in this area, so their work is hugely important.

“Training, including special courses, are provided free of charge and I’d urge anyone interested to get in touch.”

Call Healthwatch Wolverhampton free on 0800 470 1944 or email info@healthwatchwolverhampton.co.uk