Archived: Sandycroft Nursing Home

Updated 13 November 2020

The inspection

This was a targeted inspection to check whether the provider had met the requirements of the specific concern we had about infection control. We will assess all of the key question at the next comprehensive inspection of the service.

Inspection team

This inspection was undertaken by one inspector.

Service and service type

Sandycroft nursing home 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 inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since the last inspection. We sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the service. We did not ask the provider for a provider information return. This is information providers are required to send us with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make.

During the inspection

We spoke with eight people who lived at Sandycroft nursing home. We spoke with six members of staff including the registered manager. We looked around the home to check it was safe and hygienic. We observed staff going about the home and interacting with people. We also asked the provider at the inspection visit to send us additional information. This was all used as part of the inspection findings.

Updated 13 November 2020

About the service:

Sandycroft provides nursing care and support for a maximum of 26 people who live with dementia and/or a physical disability or sensory impairment. At the time of our inspection there were 17 people living at the home. Sandycroft is situated in a residential area of Blackpool close to local amenities. There are three floors offering single room accommodation for people who live at the home. There are ample toilet and bathing facilities and a large communal area for people's use.

People’s experience of using this service:

We found the management team were keen to complete lessons learnt following recent concerns raised to maintain everyone’s safety. People, staff and visitors said they felt the management team were making improvements at the home. A staff member stated, “I know it has only just happened, but the new manager is going to be really good news for the home. It already feels safer here.”

We found care planning and recordkeeping was not always personalised or detailed to assist staff responsiveness to people’s needs. For example, there were gaps in records and monitoring charts.

We have made a recommendation about recordkeeping.

The management team had safe systems to mitigate accidents and incidents. Care records held risk assessments intended to reduce the risk of harm or inappropriate care. The new manager assured us they were focused on developing these further to maintain people’s safety.

People and relatives said they felt safe and secure at Sandycroft. One person commented, “Staff are caring, compassionate and competent.” A relative added, “We've never had any concerns, [our relative] is well-looked after and safe.” Staff demonstrated a good understanding of their responsibilities to protect people from abuse and poor care.

The provider was improving the deployment of consistent, regular staff and the number of personnel on each shift to meet people’s needs. Those who lived at Sandycroft told us staffing levels were sufficient to ensure they were supported with a timely approach.

We observed staff followed national guidance in the safe management of people’s medicines. Those who lived at the home confirmed they received their medication as prescribed.

People told us they enjoyed their meals and were offered options about what to eat. Staff completed support plans and various assessments to monitor and meet their nutritional needs.

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. We saw staff supported people to make their day-to-day decisions.

Records showed the management team provided staff induction training and a programme of courses to support them in their roles.

Staff demonstrated genuine affection and compassion whenever they interacted with people. One person told us, “All the girls are lovely with me.” People commented staff respected their human rights to be self-sufficient and live meaningful lives.

We found the provider and new manager was working transparently with other organisations following recent concerns raised to the local authority. They were engaging with staff, people and relatives to gain their feedback about the improvement of the home.

People and relatives confirmed the new management structure at Sandycroft had improved the home’s atmosphere and their comfort. Staff told us the management team worked closely with them and were accessible. One staff member stated, “[The manager] has been very supportive.”

Rating at last inspection: Good (date published 07 August 2018).

Why we inspected: We undertook an unannounced focused inspection due to information of risk and concern reported to the local authority. We completed a full inspection, due to the nature and level of concerns received, to check people were safe and the service was effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Follow up: We have asked the service to follow the recommendation we have made. We will carry out a further inspection in line with our guidelines to check improvements have been made. We will continue to monitor intelligence we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If any issues or concerns are identified we may inspect sooner.

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