We carried out a review of the data available to us about Sunnyside House on 6 July 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage.
This could change at any time if we receive new information. We will continue to monitor data about this service.
If you have concerns about Sunnyside House, you can give feedback on this service.
We found the following examples of good practice.
¿ The provider was proactive in updating policies and processes in line with national guidance. This included policies relating to infection control and prevention, visiting and staffing.
¿ A process was in place to safely manage admissions to the service, in line with COVID-19 care home admissions guidance. People could only be admitted following a negative COVID-19 test and would be supported to self-isolate for up to 14 days after admission, to reduce the risk of introducing infection.
¿ COVID-19 related risks to people and staff had been assessed and measures were in place to reduce these risks. People’s health and wellbeing was monitored. People were observed for symptoms of coronavirus and other potential infections. Staff had sought medical advice and support when this was appropriate.
¿ People were supported to understand the risks to themselves and to take action to minimise these. Social stories had been used to explain coronavirus and how it may be spread. People watched the news with staff, to keep up to date with changes. Some people were wearing masks to protect themselves during our visit.
¿ Staff followed the risk assessments in place to reduce risk of transmission of infection. Staff were confident and competent in following the IPC measures in place. These included including donning and doffing and safe disposal of PPE. Enhanced cleaning schedules were carried out and people and staff groups were cohorted to reduce potential exposure to the virus.
¿ People and staff were tested in line with national guidance for care homes. Testing had helped managers identify when additional infection control measures needed to be implemented and when staff needed to self-isolate. The registered manager and staff had taken immediate action to manage an outbreak. This included working with Public Health England and the Local Authority to ensure risks to people and staff were minimised. The provider also implemented use of rapid testing, to support routine testing, to ensure staff were safe to work.
¿ Visits to the service were suspended in line with national and local guidance and specialist advice. Special arrangements were made for visiting people at the end of their life. When visiting was not possible, people were supported to remain in contact with their family members and friends through calls and virtual means.
¿ People were supported to stay socially engaged and not to become lonely. Staff helped people join in socially distanced group activities, or one to one activities, with a staff member.
¿ Staff had received training and support on how to implement the provider’s outbreak management plan. The service was 100% compliant with the provider’s IPC training requirements and had accessed additional IPC training through the local authority.
¿ Staff were complementary of the support they received from the registered manager and their colleagues. Manager’s told us staff had been exceptionally flexible and supportive of each other. Staff have covered all shifts as needed, when their colleagues had to self-isolate, to avoid the need for agency staff.
¿ An open and transparent approach was maintained throughout the outbreak to keep families, the public and appropriate agencies informed.
¿ The provider’s executive team provided support and guidance to the home’s management throughout the pandemic. Reflection and lessons learned will be used to support further learning around the management of COVID-19.
Further information is in the detailed findings below.
This was the first inspection under the current provider registration which started in October 2016. While the provider name had changed the service and its staff had remained the same. At this inspection we rated the service as Good overall.
There was a registered manager in post. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.
The care service has been developed and designed in line with the values that underpin the Registering the Right Support and other best practice guidance. These values include choice, promotion of independence and inclusion. People with learning disabilities and autism using the service can live as ordinary a life as any citizen.
People were happy, safe and benefitted from an active and full life. People's ability to be as independent as possible was developed at Sunnyside House. People were supported to take positive risks and to be in control of their care. People knew what their medicines were for and social care workers ensured people had their medicines administered safely. There were enough staff so that people could undertake the activities they wished and be supported in meeting their individual needs.
People where possible were involved in writing and reviewing their care plans, which were tailored to their individual needs. People were at the centre of their care. Their social care workers knew people well and knew how to support them with their goals. People's achievements were documented and celebrated. The registered manager and staff looked for opportunities to offer people that would help them grow, gain confidence and live a fulfilled life. People were able to participate in the quality assurance processes of their home and could undertake a variety of different training offered by the provider.
People and those important to them were closely involved in developing the service. People were enabled and encouraged to maintain and develop employment and volunteering experiences and to develop links with the community.
Social care workers were well supported and had the benefit of a training programme which enabled them to ensure they could provide people with the best possible care and support. Social care workers understood and worked to the values of the registered manager and the provider and put people at the heart of everything they did. Staff were supported to develop professionally through dedicated management training programmes.
The service had a strong leadership presence. They were committed and passionate about the people they supported and were constantly looking for ways to improve. The home and the registered manager had significant support and guidance from the provider. Thorough and frequent quality assurance processes and audits ensured that all care and support was delivered in the safest and most effective way possible.