The West Gate

I have nothing but praise for The West Gate Nursing Home.?My husband was only there a short time before he passed away.Because of the covid virus I could not visit.The management ,nurses and carers kept me fully informed when I called.I received a call that my husband had taken a turn for the worse and I was allowed to sit with him.I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the home and my husbands room was modern and bright.To be able to see my husband after 4 weeks was a blessing.I must thank all the staff for looking after us at such a sad time. Thank You. And stay safe.xx
May 18th, 2020

Feb 14th, 2020

Aug 18th, 2017

Mum came to the West gate during lock down so we did not see the living conditions staff or the care provided.When lock down was eased we could only say that it was the best home we could have chosen. During mum`s last six months she has a dislocated hip which caused her great pain the staff moved mum about keeping pain for her to a minimum.It was the little things that mum liked i.e.having her nails painted having her make up and perfume put on ,all the little things that mum could no longer do. Mum`s end of life care ,I can only say that the staff went above and beyond they showed love compassion and kept mums dignity at all times- all the while being professional .My daughter and I stayed with mum for three days at the end not only did the staff look after mum but they gave us comfort and advice as what to do next .So I would like to say a big thank you the nursing staff.and all the other members of staff who really do care.
Apr 14th, 2022

My Mother has been at the Westgate for nearly four years now. It is the third experience of residential and nursing home care for her, and for us all as family ' over a period of approximately 8 years. In that time we have had the opportunity to assess and get a sense of what care looks like: the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Ultimately it comes down to effective leadership, management and supervision. Leaders who understand the importance of recruiting and training good quality staff with the right mindsets and attitudes towards residents and patients: nursing professionals and carers who actually 'care' and who are driven and guided each day by values that align with the wellbeing and health of their patients. We had a rocky start at the Westgate (known as the Hockeredge then) but there were always pockets of good care. Overtime as the leadership and management changed and improved it is fair to say things got better....but we still had reservations. I have NEVER been shy about stating my concerns and raising them at the highest level with her Homes....all the way to the CQC if necessary. I call as I see it: that's my job as an Advocate for my Mother, and I take that responsibility seriously , as the Westgate and any other Home she has been in will know! More recently there has been a dramatic change that really proves my point. The Westgate, I can honestly say, is now the best nursing home my Mother has been in. What has changed? Loads! It is now a warm and welcoming environment for patients and family members. All staff communicate well, are warm and so obviously caring. There was a high level of staff engagement from Leaders through carers, catering and housekeeping: it's a team effort and it so obviously works! I witnessed a very difficult situation and saw the whole team pull together. Every member of staff at all levels involved, and visibly effected by what was a sad experience, and yet acting so professionally and with respect. I wont share the details but it said everything about the team and the organisation. That reflects on the atmosphere: it's so much calmer, warmer, friendly. For example patients who were previously often agitated and distracted now are comfortable and settled enough to be aware of their environment beyond themselves. When I visit my Mother they recognise me, they greet me happily, they engage with me, as do staff members also. Staff who are new know who I am as soon as they know who I'm visiting and greet me with my first name. My Mum is settled, comfortable and happy and safe. She is peaceful. She is treated as an individual with love, care and respect. These things, things like this: they matter! If anyone contacts me by phone they are always sensitive enough to preface the conversation or voicemail with the words "there is nothing to worry about". If you have a loved one in care that is SO SO important...it is done without fail. Just a few examples: I have many more! Things that make me smile, laugh even - good memories...staff singing and dancing, performing, joyous moments with residents. Sometimes there is just a real buzz and otherwise there is a consistent sense of peace. How did this all this change come about (and it is a dramatic change)!? Leadership. The leadership changed and this has had a ripple effect through the whole organisation. The staff are happier, the patients are happier, and so as a family with a much loved one at The Westgate, we are happier. Infact thrilled...which is why I am taking the time to write this honest review. The Westgate is good to be and visit. I can finally breathe because I know my Mum is in good, safe hands in a well- managed home.
Sep 11th, 2021