The Sycamores

Updated 8 September 2023

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

This inspection was carried out by an inspector, 2 medicines inspectors and 2 Experts 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 provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with CQC to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations.

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

We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We spoke with the registered manager, 2 regional managers, the deputy manager, and the activities coordinator. We received feedback from 6 support staff.

We spoke with 7 people receiving support and 9 relatives. We reviewed 6 people's care records and spoke to 2 visiting health professionals.

We reviewed records and audits relating to the management of the service. We asked the registered manager to send us documents before and after the on-site inspection. These were provided in a timely manner and this evidence was included as part of our inspection.

Updated 8 September 2023

About the service

The Sycamores is a care home providing personal care to older people and people living with dementia. The service accommodates 60 people in one adapted building, over 2 floors. At the time of the inspection 46 people were using the service.

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

Systems for managing and storing medicines were not always safe. Environments was not always safe or suitable for the needs of people living at the home. Activities were not always consistently accessible.

The provider and registered manager were responsive to concerns raised at the time of the inspection. They made some immediate improvements and had plans in place for further improvements.

Staff were trained to recognise potential risks and signs of abuse. Staffing levels were safe. Staff used personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately when supporting people and infection prevention and control processes were in place.

Healthy lifestyles were promoted, and systems were in place to make sure people's health needs were met. Menu planning met people's dietary needs and considered individual and cultural preferences. Staff had the skills and knowledge to deliver care effectively. People's needs were assessed and reviewed regularly.

Care plans were personalised and showed the care and support people wanted and needed. People and relatives knew how to raise concerns and were confident these would be dealt with appropriately. People told us staff were polite and always asked before providing support.

Managers ensured systems were in place to monitor the running of the service. The provider had procedures in place to receive feedback on how to improve support. Lessons were learned when concerns were raised, and these outcomes were communicated to staff. Staff worked well in partnership with other agencies to deliver effective support.

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.

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

Rating at last inspection

This service was registered with us on 31 August 2021, and this is the first inspection.

Why we inspected

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

Enforcement and Recommendations

We have identified a breach in relation to managing and storing medicines safely at this inspection.

We have made recommendations about improvements in governance of controlled drugs, and the safety of the environment to improve the independence of the people receiving support.

Please see the action we have told the provider to take at the end of this report.

Follow up

We will request an action plan from the provider to understand what they will do to improve the standards of quality and safety. We will work alongside the provider and local authority to monitor progress. We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.