We carried out a review of the data available to us about Sandycroft 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 Sandycroft, you can give feedback on this service.
Sandycroft is a ‘care home’, providing accommodation and personal care for up to five younger adults with sensory impairments, learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders. Accommodation was provided over two floors. At the time of the inspection five people
were living at the service.
People’s experience of using this service and what we found
People’s support needs and areas of risk were thoroughly assessed, the relevant support measures were put in place and people’s health and well-being was regularly reviewed as a way of keeping people safe.
Care plans and risk assessments contained tailored and relevant information. People received support from dedicated key workers who were familiar with the support they needed and the risks that needed to be robustly managed.
Safe medication systems and procedures were in place. People received their medicines as prescribed by trained members of staff. We did highlight some areas of best practice in relation to topical (cream) medication administration records and stock balance sheets. Suggestions were immediately implemented following the inspection.
People were safeguarded and protected from avoidable harm. Safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures were in place and staff knew how to report and escalate their concerns. All relatives we spoke with expressed that they felt their loved ones were safe and received a safe level of care from the staff / management team. One relative told us, “I don’t think [person] would receive better care anywhere else; they’re [staff] all amazing.”
Safe staffing levels and recruitment procedures were in place, staff received regular supervision, were supported with a mandatory and bespoke training courses and told us they felt valued and supported by the management team.
Not all visitors were asked screening questions in relation to COVID-19 prior to entering the home. We signposted the interim manager to this area of best practice. The home was clean, hygienic and well-maintained. Health and safety measures were in place and the provider ensured that all regulatory compliance certificates were in date.
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.
We expect health and social care providers to guarantee autistic people and people with a learning disability the choices, dignity, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. Right Support, right care, right culture is the statutory guidance which supports The Care Quality Commission (CQC) to make assessments and judgements about services providing support to people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
This service was able to demonstrate how they were meeting the principles of ‘Right support, right care, right culture’. The model of care and setting helped to maximise people’s choice, control and Independence. The level of care was person-centred and promoted people’s dignity, privacy and human rights and the ethos, values, attitudes and behaviours of leaders and care staff ensured that people using the service lead confident, inclusive and empowered lives.
Effective governance and quality assurance measures were in place; these helped to monitor, review and improve the quality and safety of care people received.
For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk
Rating at last inspection and update
This was the services first inspection since being registered with CQC in March 2020.
Why we inspected
This was a planned inspection following their registration with CQC.
We looked at infection prevention and control (IPC) measures under the ‘Safe’ key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to covid-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.
Follow up
We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to our inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.