This unannounced inspection took place on 28 and 29 March 2017. This was the first inspection of the service.

Cedar View Care Centre is a four storey purpose built residential nursing home on the outskirts of Croydon that provides a nursing, support and personal care service for up to 65 older people. It was divided into three areas Maple on the ground floor, Poplar on the first floor and Willow on the second floor. Access between floors was provided by two passenger lifts. On the day of our inspection Poplar had not yet opened and there were twenty seven people using the service.

The service had a library, hairdressing salon, laundry, a coffee area, children’s play area, a cinema and sweet shop, an art gallery, secure gardens and access to the local park. Each floor had two sitting rooms one of which had an adjacent dining area and a kitchenette. The bedrooms were single en-suite and there were two larger suites also located on each floor. The catering department, laundry, staff room and some amenities for people were located in the basement area. The environment had different coloured zones and appeared light, clean and well maintained.

The registered manager was not at the service when we inspected and we were told they had recently resigned but were still on a period of notice. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider. The service was being managed by the deputy manager and the operations manager. The operations manager explained that the post of service manager had been advertised and they were hoping to recruit as soon as the right candidate could be found. Both the deputy and operations manager gave us assurance that the service was being managed effectively during this time.

People and their relatives told us they felt safe at the service. Staff knew how to recognise signs of potential abuse and followed the right reporting procedures.

People were supported by staff who received appropriate training and support to do their job well. Staff felt supported by managers. There were enough qualified and skilled staff at the service.

Care records focused on people as individuals and gave clear information for staff. People who used the service and their relatives were complimentary about staff and the quality and the standard of care received. Staff supported people in a way which was kind, caring, and respectful.

The service had systems in place for the safe storage, administration and recording of medicines.

People made positive comments about the food at the service and preferences and dietary needs were being met. Staff were attentive while supporting people at mealtimes to ensure people had sufficient amounts to eat and drink and they communicated with people in a kind and sensitive way. People’s nutritional needs were monitored and appropriate actions taken where required.

Staff were aware of the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) that ensured people’s rights were protected.

People enjoyed a variety of activities and spoke positively about the activity co-ordinator.

People and staff were asked for their views on how to improve the service. Staff felt listened to and supported by their manager.

The provider had systems in place to help them understand the quality of the care and support people received. Accidents and incidents were reported and examined. The manager and staff used this information to make improvements to the service.