Last updated: 10 February 2026
"Outstanding activities programmes and a family-like culture with supportive management, but some residents felt short-staffed at night and there was a minor medicines recording error."
Medicines were properly and safely managed... systems to learn lessons... strong safeguarding... but we identified a minor medicines recording error... recommendation to strengthen risk procedures.
There was a positive working culture... Staff told us of good teamwork... 'We work well together.' 'I always can ask for help, all colleagues share their knowledge.' 'Sydmar Lodge is like big family.'
We checked staffing rosters... ten in the morning, eight after lunch, and four at night... staff generally felt there were enough staff working... low staff turnover noted.
The service ensured staff received comprehensive training... high levels of training completion, including for refresher courses... most staff had an annual appraisal and received regular developmental supervision meetings.
Staff provided positive feedback about the approach of the management team... registered manager was said to be a capable and patient role-model, who... 'Gives energy to others.'
We found the twice-daily activity programme to be outstanding in its breadth and depth... highly original... supported to go swimming... local nursery children visits... minibus trips to The Ritz... pet dogs... videos of events.
Some residents felt there weren't enough staff at night sometimes, even though daytime staffing was good and staff felt manageable.
Most people told us there were enough staff... However, a few people thought there should be more staff in the evenings and at night. One person said, 'There is no-one around after dinner.'
There was a minor medication recording error found, even though medicines were mostly managed safely.
We identified a minor medicines recording error that should have been captured through these checks... The registered manager promptly sent us new and adjusted medicines forms.
AI Generated
Last inspected: May 2018
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
Direct feedback from current and former employees

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