The Sycamores

Updated 17 June 2022

The inspection

We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (the Act) as part of our regulatory functions. We checked whether the provider was meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Act. We looked at the overall quality of the service and provided a rating for the service under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

The inspection was carried out by two inspectors and an Expert by Experience. An Expert by Experience is a person who has personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses this type of care service.

Service and service type

The Sycamores is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. The Sycamores is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This service is required to have a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. This means that they and the provider are legally responsible for how the service is run and for the quality and safety of the care provided. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

The provider was not asked to complete a Provider Information Return (PIR) prior to this inspection. A PIR is information providers send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make.

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority who work with the service and Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with seven people who used the service about their experience of the care provided. We spoke with eight members of staff including the regional manager, registered manager, activities coordinator and support workers. We spoke with relatives about their experience of the care provided.

We reviewed a range of records. This included four care records and multiple medication records. We looked at two staff files in relation to recruitment and staff supervision. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were reviewed.

Updated 17 June 2022

About the service

The Sycamores is a residential care home providing support and accommodation for older people who require nursing or personal care for up to 56 people. At the time of our inspection there were 49 people using the service. The care home provides accommodation across two floors.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Systems were in place to safeguard people from the risk of abuse. Staff understood their responsibilities to protect people from avoidable harm. People we spoke with told us they felt safe. Risks to people were assessed and up to date. However, records did not always clearly indicate how staff should use hoist slings appropriately. Staff were recruited safely and there were sufficient staff to meet people’s needs. Medicines were managed safely. Infection prevention and control measures were in place. The registered manager monitored incidents in the service and took action to reduce risks to people.

Staff were knowledgeable about people’s needs and how these should be met. Staff received regular appraisals and supervisions to support them in their role. People were supported to make choices for their meals and where they would like to eat. The service had strong links with local healthcare services and weekly GP visits were facilitated to meet people’s healthcare needs.

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; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

Staff treated people with compassion and kindness. People told us they felt cared for and well looked after. The registered manager promoted dignity and respect in the service. People’s views were obtained to drive improvements. Relatives told us staff were friendly and people’s wishes were met.

Individualised assessments and care plans detailed how to meet people’s day to day needs. People were involved in choosing daily activities, which were meaningful to them. Complaints and concerns were recorded and fully Investigated with lessons learned and action taken appropriately. End of life care plans were individualised and respected the wishes of people.

The registered manager had systems in place to improve quality in the service. Staff felt supported in their roles and relatives told us they felt able to speak to the registered manager if they had any concerns. Complaints were dealt with effectively and lessons learned when things went wrong.

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

Rating at last inspection and update

The last rating for this service was requires improvement (published 23 June 2021). The provider completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. At this inspection we found improvements had been made and the provider was no longer in breach of regulations.

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.