Sunnyside

Updated 26 May 2023

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 Health and Social Care Act 2008.

As part of this inspection, we looked at the infection control and prevention measures in place. This was conducted so we can understand the preparedness of the service in preventing or managing an infection outbreak, and to identify good practice we can share with other services.

Inspection team

This inspection was completed by 1 inspector.

Service and service type

Sunnyside is a ‘care home’. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing and/or personal care as a single package under one contractual agreement dependent on their registration with us. Sunnyside is a care home without nursing care. CQC regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Registered Manager

This provider is required to have a registered manager to oversee the delivery of regulated activities at this location. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Registered managers and providers are legally responsible for how the service is run, for the quality and safety of the care provided and compliance with regulations. At the time of our inspection there was a registered manager in post.

Notice of inspection

This inspection was unannounced.

What we did before the inspection

We reviewed information we had received about the service since registration. This included any information of concern and notifications the service is required to submit regarding any significant events happening at the service. We sought feedback from the commissioners of the service and Healthwatch. Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public about health and social care services in England. We used the information the provider sent us in the provider information return (PIR). This is information providers are required to send us annually with key information about their service, what they do well, and improvements they plan to make. We used all this information to plan our inspection.

During the inspection

We reviewed staffing levels and walked around the building to ensure it was clean and a safe place for people to live. We observed how staff supported people and provided care throughout the day.

We spoke with 4 people who use the service, 6 relatives and 12 members of staff, including the registered manager, senior care workers, care workers, and auxiliary staff.

We reviewed a range of records including 5 people’s care records. We looked at 4 staff files in relation to recruitment, training and support. We reviewed multiple people’s medicine administration records and looked at medicines related documentation and management arrangements. A variety of records relating to the management of the service, including policies and procedures were examined.

Updated 26 May 2023

About the service

Sunnyside is a residential care home providing personal care for up to 43 people. The service provides support to older people, some of whom are living with dementia. At the time of our inspection there were 37 people using the service.

Sunnyside is a two-storey care home with single person bedrooms, and a variety of shared living spaces.

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

People told us they felt safe and were generally supported by enough staff, who had been safely recruited and knew them well. Risks to people were assessed and action taken to mitigate and learn lessons in response to any accidents or incidents. Systems to manage medicines safely were in place.

People’s needs were assessed, and staff worked with other health care services to meet these. Staff felt well supported and completed a variety of training relevant to their role. Mealtimes were sociable and people were supported to eat and drink well throughout the day. Bedrooms were personalised but some areas of the home were in need of redecorating, and we have made a recommendation about this. 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.

People and families told us they felt the staff were very caring and knew their needs and how to meet these. Staff treated people respectfully and promoted choices around daily lives. Privacy and dignity was respected.

Care plans were personalised and provided guidance on people's needs. We noted some inconsistencies which were immediately addressed. An activity worker was due to start at the service. People felt able to raise concerns and complaints were investigated and responses given.

The registered manager had good systems for oversight and checks of the quality of the service. When areas for improvement were identified, these were actioned and checks to ensure the actions were completed and embedded were in place. People, and relatives felt the culture of the home was good and staff told us they felt well supported and enjoyed coming to work.

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 27 August 2021 and this is the first inspection. The last rating for the service under the previous provider was good (published 07 December 2018).

Why we inspected

This inspection was prompted by a review of the information we held about this service.

Recommendations

We have made a recommendation that the service review staffing arrangements to ensure all communal areas are available for people to use at any time they want, and that the plan for redecorating within the service considers best practice guidance in relation to meeting the needs of the people living at Sunnyside, including those living with dementia.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.