Findings from engagement with residents of Birch Avenue and Woodland View Care Homes and their relatives

In March 2018, specific concerns were raised about the outcomes of Continuing Health Care (CHC) assessments carried out to determine the amount of funding residents would receive towards their care, and the manner in which these were conducted.

Healthwatch Sheffield was asked by the Chief Nurse at NHS Sheffield CCG to provide an independent summary of people’s views and experiences.

Two members of our staff team and two volunteers visited the care homes and listened to residents, their families and advocates. Conversations focused on the way in which assessments were carried out, and in particular, whether people were treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.

The CCG has welcomed our report and its recommendations.

Mandy Philbin, Chief Nurse, said:

“We are sincerely committed to not only listening to residents but also improving CHC processes, how we communicate with residents and their families, and the care delivered. We understand that CHC assessments and reviews can cause worry and upset, and we want to avoid this.

In light of the concerns and Healthwatch’s recommendations, the CCG has developed an action plan. This plan will be presented to a governing body committee in September to ensure governing body members, senior staff, and our partners are able to scrutinise and shape the plan before being finalised.”