The inspection took place on 7 January 2019, it was unannounced. It was the first inspection of this location under this provider.

Sycamore House Care Home is a 'care home'. People in care homes receive accommodation and nursing or personal care as single package under one contractual agreement. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates both the premises and the care provided, and both were looked at during this inspection.

Sycamore House Care Home is registered to provide care and accommodation for a maximum of 36 people some of whom may be living with dementia. Accommodation was provided on ground level. The service is situated in Hull.

A registered manager was in place. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Minor infection control issues found during the inspection were addressed straight away. People told us they felt safe living at the service. Staff understood how to identify signs of abuse and harm, and issues were reported appropriately.

Staff understood the risks present to people’s health and wellbeing and they gained advice from relevant health care professionals to minimise these risks. There were sufficient numbers of competent staff to meet people’s needs. Medicine management was robust and general maintenance and improvements to the environment were undertaken.

Accidents and incidents were monitored. Staff understood the action they must take in the event of an emergency to protect people’s health and safety.

Staff completed training and received supervision and a yearly appraisal to maintain and develop their skills. Performance issues were addressed.

People told us staff were caring and kind and they protected their privacy and dignity. People’s diversity was protected and their communication needs were recorded. Information was provided to people in a format that met their needs. Advocates were available for people to help them raise their views. People’s confidentiality was maintained and care records were stored securely, in line with current data protection legislation.

Staff were knowledgeable about people’s full and current needs. They worked as a team to support people. People’s care records contained relevant information to ensure their holistic needs could be met. Staff promoted people’s independence even if there were risks present to maintain people’s independence and choice.

People were offered a choice of food and drink and their special dietary needs were provided for.

Care and support was provided in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). Where people did not have the capacity to make decisions about their care best interest meetings were held with relatives and health care professionals. This helped to protect people’s rights.

Staff accessed health services to help to maintain people’s health and wellbeing. People received person-centred care and support. A programme of activities was provided.

There was a complaints policy in place and the provider welcomed feedback from people living at the service, relatives and staff. Issues raised were investigated and this information was used to maintain or improve the service.

The management team were open and transparent. Checks and audits took place and the infection control audit was strengthened during the inspection to prevent minor infection control issues from re-occurring. The service was being improved and enhanced by the management team. Further environmental improvements were scheduled to take place and people’s views were sought and were acted upon. Maintenance checks and servicing of equipment took place to help to protect the health and safety of all parties.

Further