Sutton Grange

Updated 31 December 2019

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 Care Act 2014.

Inspection team

The inspection team consisted of two inspectors, a specialist nurse advisor and a specialist pharmacy technician; as well as two 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

Sutton Grange is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

The service had a manager registered with the Care Quality Commission. 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.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

Prior to our inspection we looked at all of the information we held about the service. This included any feedback, concerns, investigations or notifications which the provider is required to send to us by law. We also sought feedback from a number of professionals who had experience about the service. The provider was not asked to complete a provider information return prior to this inspection. This is information we require providers to send us to give some key information about the service, what the service does well and improvements they plan to make. We took this into account when we inspected the service and made the judgements in this report. We used all of this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

During our inspection we spoke with 14 people who used the service and eight visitors. We also undertook observations in all areas of the service. We spoke with 18 staff members. These included, housekeeping, the chef, the activities team, care staff, nursing staff, the providers dementia specialist visiting the service, the regional director, the divisional clinical lead and the registered manager who took overall responsibility for the service.

We reviewed a number of records. These included seven care files and associated records, medications administration records, three staff files, supervision and training records and duty rotas. We observed the daily meeting held with the heads of department in the service and we reviewed a range of records in relation to the operation and oversight of the service.

After the inspection

We continued to seek clarification from the provider to validate evidence found.

Updated 31 December 2019

About the service

Sutton Grange is a residential nursing home providing accommodation for people who require nursing or personal care and treatment of disease, disorder or injury for up to 70 older people, people with a physical disability, younger adults or people living with a dementia. At the time of the inspection 44 people were living at the service and a further 6 people visited the home for day care support. The service was purpose built over two floors with lift access to the first floors. There were four units in the service, Red house and Blossom Walk which supported people with residential care needs and, Silver Birch which supported people with nursing care needs. The Woodlands unit which supported people with nursing dementia needs had recently opened following the removal of conditions from the registration of the service. All units of the service had access to outside space. The service was situated in a small residential area in Banks close to the outskirts of Southport. Parking facilities were available.

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

We received mixed feedback about the staffing numbers in the service. A senior member of management undertook a full review of the staffing required. We made a recommendation about this. Safe recruitment practices were in place. People and relatives told us they felt safe in the service and staff had undertaken training. Medicines were being managed safely and people’s risks were considered. The service was clean and tidy and had been developed to support the needs of people living there.

A range of training was provided to ensure staff had the knowledge and skills to support people’s 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. Records confirmed people’s consent had been obtained. We observed a positive dining experience. People were offered a choice of meals according to their likes and needs.

People were positive about the care they received. People were supported to be involved in decisions and were treated with dignity and respect. Care files contained good information about people’s individual needs, and these had been updated. A range of activities were provided to people both in the service and in the community. Complaints were investigated an acted on appropriately.

Positive feedback was received about the registered manager and the changes made in the service. Team meetings were being undertaken with all members of the staff team. Evidence was seen that the service worked well with relevant professionals to improve outcomes for people.

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 10 December 2018). Since the last inspection the Care Quality Commission has lifted the conditions on the registration for Sutton Grange with the Care Quality Commission imposed earlier.

Why we inspected

This was a planned inspection based on the previous rating.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.