Enter and View Report: Rockfield House

In January 2024 we visited Rockfield House which is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 14 adults with a learning disability, autism, or mental health needs. There is a dedicated house with 10 residents and a separate annex building with room for 4 residents allowing more independence with we were advised there is a focus on transition into the community. 

Summary

Overall, we observed at Rockfield House that staff are working hard to provide the best care in a challenging environment. Management has shown excellent practice in many ways such as in their use of communication passports, personalised evacuation plans and the use of trauma informed care in the workplace. Staff that we met clearly care deeply about residents and providing the best care that they can.

The limited number of interactions we saw between 1-1 staff and the residents appeared positive with good back and forth rapport. Staff were knowledgeable about residents’ interests and SMART goals enough to discuss them without any paperwork to hand. We also saw staff redirecting a resident who was exhibiting some challenging behaviours, and they diffused the situation without incident. Residents that we spoke to seemed happy with their 1-1 staff, but it did appear that they don’t consistently have the same assigned staff members. The management structure being in place for multiple years is a positive in building a cohesive strategy for Rockfield House. 

There are many positives to the physical environment at Rockfield House but also some challenges. The gardens and yard spaces are very pleasant environments and clearly well cared for aside from a pool table that was broken. The residents we spoke to were very pleased with them. We did not see any residents’ rooms but the residents we spoke to were happy with the decoration within although there was a comment about a faulty heater. 

The main building structure itself has narrow corridors in areas that can create tight areas and makes it challenging for wheelchair users. Some of the rooms such as the main sitting room felt dark and gloomy which was not helped by the grey colouring and lack of decorations. There also seemed to be a lack of easy read pictures and pictures in general around the home. Cupboards had no pictures to help show contents, doors had no easy read signage and it contributed to some areas not feeling disability friendly. Staff advised that due to challenging behaviours residents can tear things down from walls but as a visitor some areas lacking decoration did not feel like a homely environment.

The security procedures at Rockfield were in the main excellent with Healthwatch staff challenged upon entry. All residents we saw had their 1-1 staff with them at all times and doors were locked when we left rooms. We saw no fire doors left open or any trip hazards in the building. There was however a case of a cleaning supplies door being left unlocked. We discussed the possibility of hanging blinds cords being a ligature risk, but staff advised they had no residents with self-harming behaviours. The 1-1 support in place can help reduce risks but it is important that all proper procedures are maintained regardless.