Working at Willow Bank House Residential Home

Staffing levels were tough before with agency workers covering shifts due to sickness and COVID, even though it's better now.

Staff told us that in previous months, staffing numbers had been a challenge for various reasons, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and staff sickness. Where staffing numbers were low, agency staff supported the service.

Only basic mandatory training and shadowing for new staff, no specialist courses or funded qualifications.

Staff told us they had received mandatory training that was appropriate... New staff felt they had sufficient time working alongside existing staff before they begun working alone.

Activities coordinator runs some events but residents gave mixed feedback with some saying it's boring and not all dementia items are back yet.

We received mixed views in how people were supported to maintain their hobbies and interest... 'Not much to do, it's a bit boring.'... some activities to support people with dementia were not being used... due to risk of cross infection through the pandemic.