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Inspection on 28/09/06 for Sycamore Heights
Also see our care home review for Sycamore Heights for more information
This inspection was carried out on 28th September 2006.
CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.
The inspector found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 4 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.
What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.
What the care home does well
The location of this home is generally suitable for its stated purpose, convenient for visitors and the property is being maintained to a very satisfactory standard. The social, health and personal care needs of the residents are well addressed, and there is input from a range of healthcare professionals and other specialists as required. Residents (where they are able) and their relatives have generally expressed satisfaction with the services provided. Overall, there was a high level of compliance being maintained with the National Minimum Standards throughout the inspection process. The outgoing registered manager had created the right balance between his duty to be accountable (the inspector found very systematic, diligent record keeping) and a person-centred culture for residents and staff. There were many examples of good practice to report on. Very few matters were raised for attention.
What has improved since the last inspection?
One resident has moved on to more independent supported living arrangements, in line with her long-term aspirations, and another resident has been admitted to this home with good effect. There have been no other developments
What the care home could do better:
Notwithstanding the positive impact the new manager has made, the departure of the last manager has signalled a significant change in the ethos of this home, which staff and residents will require support to adapt to. The transition to more independent supported living arrangements has seen some scaling down of staffing hours in this home already, which means staff don`t always have the same scope to support residents with their activities as they were used to. A number of matters raised for attention at the last inspection in February 2006 were found to be partly addressed or outstanding on this occasion, indicating the need to make more concerted use of the regulatory framework for as long as this home stays registered. Most notably, the MCCH still needs to demonstrate compliance with its regulatory duty to carry out formal documented unannounced inspection visits of its own, at least once a month (Regulation 26). This was subject to an Immediate Requirement Notice at the last inspection - and found to be still not in evidence. The reader is advised that contravention or failure to comply with these provisions is liable to be judged an offence.