The VIVALDI Social Care team visited Westcombe Park BUPA Care Home in Blackheath, London, on Wednesday, as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for care home residents, relatives and staff.
We were delighted to be joined by an incredible group of professionals and advocates who are deeply invested in the future of social care.
Westcombe Park BUPA Care Home, operated by Bupa UK, is a purpose-built facility offering nursing and residential care. From the moment we arrived, Abi, Gillian, Leon, Andy and the team made everyone feel incredibly welcome. The hospitality and openness set the tone for an engaging and productive discussion.
During their visit to Westcombe Park BUPA Care Home, the VIVALDI team engaged with residents and staff to gather insights and answer any questions they may have had.
The VIVALDI team addressed a range of insightful questions, fostering an open dialogue on key issues in social care and the VIVALDI Social Care project.
The level of resident and family involvement was truly inspiring. Their firsthand experiences and perspectives are invaluable to the VIVALDI Social Care Project, shaping the way we work towards meaningful improvements in care.
During the visit Lucy Knight – VIVALDI Social Care Coordinator asked Chris Powling for his thoughts about the project.
"The Vivaldi social care programme is bringing research to the care homes across England, enabling all to be involved by simply sharing their data via their NHS number. Today Westcombe Park care home in South London, joined hundreds of other care homes across England who all simply want better out comes for their residents.
It's clear from residents, relatives and staff at Westcombe Park, they are fully engaged and excited to be involved in a data revolution that can track and understand infections across ASC. Data collected today will help to ensure the care system along with their partners in health can improved experiences in the future and support care remaining in people's homes.”
By participating in VIVALDI Social Care, Westcombe Park BUPA Care Home show a shared dedication to enhancing resident well-being and ensuring a safe, healthy living environment.
An online review of Westcombe Park BUPA Care Home states:
“People told us they were well looked after, and that staff were kind. We observed that staff followed safe infection control practices. A relative commented, "I would give them top marks for cleanliness and their Covid-19 measures." People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests."
Now post Covid, they continue to support infection prevention and control as a top priority for the safety and well-being of those they care for.
We are thrilled that at least two residents have decided to join the ASCEC (Adult Social Care Engagement Collective). Their voices will bring essential lived experience into our discussions, and we look forward to welcoming them next month to share their ideas.
The entire VIVALDI team left the visit feeling energised, inspired, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with such a passionate community. These visits are not just about discussions; they are about listening, learning, and taking action to improve the future of social care.
A huge thank you to Abi, her team, the residents, their families, and all our attendees for making this visit so special. We look forward to continuing this journey together!
It was a fantastic event. The team at Westcombe Park, and all the colleagues from Bupa, made it such a special day, and it was great to see so many residents and families at the event. The level of engagement is testament to the quality of care, and the way in which the team at Westcombe Park engage the people who live in the care home.”
Attendees Included:
- Professor Martin Green OBE , CEO, Care England
- Lauren Hague, Policy and Integration Lead & Team, Care England
- Arnoupe Jhass, GP, Clinical Research Fellow, UCL
- Professor Laura Shallcross MBE, Project Lead, UCL
- Chris Day, Director of Engagement, CQC
- Kate Meacock, Rights for Residents
- Oliver Stirrup, UCL
- Millie Simms, Lead Nurse, Independent Health & Social Care
- Benedicta Okpor, Social Care Nursing Clinical Practice Development Lead
- Rebekah Givon, Product Workstream Manager, PCS
- Hannah Groombridge, PCS
- Maria Kruticov, Infectious Diseases Doctor & Clinical Researcher, UCL
- Lizzie Wallman, Deputy Chief Nurse
- Jane Waite, Head of CHC/CYPCC Governance Assurance and QIPP
- Briony Sloper, Deputy Director – Health and Care in the Community (London Region)
