Dryclough Manor

Updated 7 April 2021

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of CQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are looking at the preparedness of care homes in relation to infection prevention and control. This was a targeted inspection looking at the infection control and prevention measures the provider has in place.

This inspection took place on 16 March 2021 and was announced.

Updated 7 April 2021

About the service: Dryclough Manor is a care home that provides personal care and accommodation to older people some of whom may be living with dementia.

People’s experience of using this service: Staff undertook medicines training to ensure they had the necessary skills and knowledge. However, there were gaps within some people's medicine administration records and best practice in relation to the recording of medicines administration was not consistently followed.

The front door to the building was not always kept securely locked. Staff were not always aware of who was entering or leaving the building and could not guarantee that people were safe.

People were positive about the registered manager and the way the home was organised and managed. Staff told us they enjoyed working at the home and felt supported.

Recruitment procedures were in place which ensured staff were safely recruited. Staff received the training, support and supervision they needed to carry out their roles effectively.

People's independence was promoted, they had choices and were treated with dignity and respect by staff.

People were supported by caring staff who knew them and their care needs well. We observed genuine affection and kind and caring interactions between people and staff.

People had their nutritional needs met and had access to a range of health care professionals.

The requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 were being met. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.

Health and safety checks were carried out and equipment was maintained and serviced appropriately.

Activities were available for people to access within the home and individual interests were encouraged. People were supported to engage in these activities.

The home was clean and there was a relaxed and homely atmosphere.

The service had a complaints procedure and a variety of ways for people, visitors, and health care professionals to share their views and provide feedback on the service. The manager used this information to drive improvements within the service, such as increasing the number of activities for people to engage with.

The service met the characteristics of good in four areas and was rated good overall.

More information is in the full report

Rating at last inspection: The service was last rated as good (10 October 2016).

Why we inspected: This was a planned inspection based on the rating at the last inspection. At this inspection we identified some areas which required improvement.

Follow up: We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit in accordance with our re-inspection programme. If any concerning information is received we may inspect sooner.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk