The Heathlands Village

The Heathlands Village in Prestwich is a large residential and nursing care home supporting up to 214 older people from both Jewish and non-Jewish communities, including those living with dementia. The site features extensive grounds, individual en-suite rooms, and various communal facilities like an onsite synagogue, restaurant, and atrium. During the unannounced inspection in January 2023, residents and relatives shared positive feedback about the caring environment, friendly staff, and strong communication, noting that the home is kept clean and provides sufficient staffing.

When it comes to safety, residents generally felt secure and well-supported by staff who knew their needs, and medicines were mostly managed properly, though some medication stock records needed clearing up and PRN protocols lacked detail for non-verbal communication. Additionally, formal mental capacity assessments were not always completed or regularly reviewed within the current electronic system, prompting plans for a new software implementation.

The care provided is effective, with staff working well alongside medical professionals, physiotherapists, and speech and language teams, and following external guidance correctly. Equipment is routinely checked before use, and best interest decisions are properly recorded when medicines are administered covertly.

Residents and relatives consistently describe the staff as kind, helpful, and attentive, creating a warm atmosphere where individuals are supported in a least restrictive way possible. Positive interactions were observed across the units during the visits, and staff ensure people are treated with dignity and care.

The service is responsive to individual needs, offering various activities with the help of volunteers and maintaining strong community links, including visits from local school children. Feedback is actively gathered through residents' forums and surveys, and complaints are handled appropriately with written responses provided.

Leadership is strong and well-organized, supported by an expanded clinical management team that has increased visibility and support across all units. Quality assurance systems, audits, and health and safety reviews are regularly conducted, though some minor improvements were noted, such as ensuring audit actions are always formally signed off.