We carried out a review of the data available to us about Sycamore Care Centre - Boldon 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 Sycamore Care Centre - Boldon, you can give feedback on this service.
Sycamore Care Centre - Boldon is a care home that provides personal and nursing care for up to 69 people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of the inspection there were 44 people living in the home.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People felt safe living in the home and with the support they received from staff. People and relatives spoke very highly of the staff and said they were kind, patient and compassionate. Comments included, “They are absolutely wonderful, staff fall over themselves to help you” and, “Everybody is fantastic. They make you feel at home - best thing ever.”
Staff safeguarded people from abuse. Risks to individuals and the environment were well managed. There were enough staff to meet people’s needs. The provider learned from accidents and incidents to mitigate future risks. Medicines were safely managed. Infection control processes were embedded into the service and staff followed government guidance in relation to infection control and prevention practices, in particular, relating to COVID-19. A relative said, “Since there have been new owners, the home is immaculate.”
People’s needs were assessed before they moved into the home and on an ongoing basis. Staff were suitably trained and received regular supervisions. People were supported with their nutritional needs and to access a range of health care professionals. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
People were well supported and cared for. Staff treated people with respect and supported them in a dignified manner and in line with their wishes. A relative told us, “Good thing [about the service] is the care and patience of staff, they are fantastic. I can’t think of anything that needs improving.” People were encouraged to be as independent as possible, where it was safe to do so.
People received person-centred care and care plans detailed how they wished to be supported. Staff knew how to effectively communicate with people and communication methods were detailed in care records. People and relatives had no complaints about the home but knew how to raise concerns. Any complaints received were fully investigated and actioned. People enjoyed a range of activities inside the home and accessed the local community.
The home was well managed. People and relatives were complimentary about the home and care people received. The provider had an effective quality assurance process in place which included regular audits. People, relatives and staff were regularly consulted about the quality of the service through surveys, meetings and reviews.
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 15 November 2019 and this is the first inspection. The last rating for the service under the previous provider was requires improvement, published on 29 September 2018.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection to formally rate the service.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.
We found the following examples of good practice:
• Appropriate measures were in place at the entrance and inside the home to prevent visitors from spreading infection. All visitors were required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow good hand hygiene practices.
• There were sufficient stocks of PPE. There was clear signage on the correct use of PPE and handwashing techniques. Staff had received appropriate training in infection prevention and control.
• The environment was very clean, with enhanced cleaning taking place of frequently touched surfaces.
• The provider was following national guidance for anyone moving into the home and admissions were carried out safely.
• People were supported to keep in touch with their family members via video or telephone calls. The provider had developed ways to safely support visits in line with the latest guidance.
• Social distancing rules were being complied with. Some minor changes had been made to the layout of furniture to encourage and support social distancing.