✧ Care home information
The Dispensary
Sherburn House, Sherburn, Durham, DH1 2SH — Care Home
Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment
How The Dispensary was rated
Rating published 15/08/2025. Read the full inspection report.
- 5 bedsRegistered capacity
- County DurhamCouncil for care funding
- 01913 006850Care home's own number
- Swanton Care and CommunityOperator
- 26th April 2023Registered since
- Swanton Care & Community (Autism North) LimitedRegistered provider
Care offered
Care types at The Dispensary
The Dispensary is a Care Home in Durham, County Durham, offering Residential, Learning Disability, Mental Health and Physical Disability care.
The Dispensary was registered with the Care Quality Commission in April 2023. It is run by Swanton Care & Community (Autism North) Limited, a company registered at Companies House (number 04536431). Swanton Care & Community (Autism North) Limited runs 15 care homes in England registered with CQC, and is part of the Swanton Care and Community group.
CQC registers the home to care for younger adults, people with physical disabilities, people with mental health conditions and people with learning disabilities or autism.
In more detail
Support and specialisms
Support for
Disability support
An alternative worth knowing about
Considering The Dispensary? See how live-in care compares
A move into residential care is a big, often rushed decision. Live-in care keeps your family member in their own home, with one dedicated carer, their own routine, and — for a couple — no separation.
Stay at home
No move, no new environment to adjust to — just one-to-one support in familiar surroundings.
One dedicated carer
Not a rotating rota of staff — a named, DBS-checked carer who gets to know your family member.
Couples stay together
Most care homes can't accommodate a couple together in one room. Live-in care can.
Start in 24-48 hours
Often faster to arrange than a care home place, with no waiting list.
Next steps
Looking at care in Durham?
Nearby
Other care homes near Durham
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Durham · under a mile away
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Belmont Grange Nursing and Residential Home
Durham · 1.3 miles away
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Hallgarth Care Home
Durham · 1.8 miles away
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St Margaret's Care Home
Durham · 2.5 miles away
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Melbury Court
Durham · 2.9 miles away
View details →
Lindisfarne Care Home
Newton Hall · 3.0 miles away
View details →
St Aidan Lodge Residential Care Home
Durham · 3.3 miles away
View details →
Springfield Lodge Care Home
West Rainton · 3.5 miles away
View details →Same operator
More care homes run by Swanton Care and Community
Other Swanton Care and Community homes in the North East, nearest first.
Free callback
Considering The Dispensary? Talk it through first
Leave your number and a care manager will call you back — usually within an hour, and always free.
- No obligation. A conversation, not a sales call — and never a call centre.
- A real care manager. Someone who arranges care every day, who can answer properly.
- Just two details. Your name and number — we don’t need an email address.
Or call us now on 0800 368 8558 Lines open 8am–10pm, seven days a week
Common questions
Questions about The Dispensary
The things people search for before they call us — answered plainly.
Not seeing your question?
Our care managers answer these every day. A no-obligation call takes about ten minutes.
0800 368 8558Lines open 8am–10pm, seven days a week See all questionsWhat rating has The Dispensary been given by the regulator?
The Care Quality Commission rated The Dispensary "Good" overall, in its most recent report, published August 2025.
What types of care does The Dispensary provide?
The Dispensary provides Residential, Learning Disability, Mental Health and Physical Disability care.
How many beds does The Dispensary have?
The Dispensary is registered for 5 beds with the Care Quality Commission.
Who runs The Dispensary?
The Dispensary is run by Swanton Care & Community (Autism North) Limited, a company registered at Companies House (number 04536431). The provider runs 15 care homes in England registered with the Care Quality Commission and is part of the Swanton Care and Community group.
When was The Dispensary registered with CQC?
The Dispensary has been registered with the Care Quality Commission since April 2023. Its provider, Swanton Care & Community (Autism North) Limited, has held CQC registration since October 2010.
Who does The Dispensary care for?
CQC registers The Dispensary to care for younger adults, people with physical disabilities, people with mental health conditions and people with learning disabilities or autism.
Does The Dispensary provide nursing care?
No. The Dispensary is registered as a care home without nursing. Its staff give personal care, and residents who need nursing are usually visited by NHS community or district nurses.
Which council covers The Dispensary?
The Dispensary is in the County Durham council area. The council carries out care needs assessments and decides council funding for residents who qualify.
Is live-in care an alternative to The Dispensary?
For many families, yes. A live-in carer supports one person at home one-to-one in Durham, so nobody has to move. It is often the clearer choice for a couple, since one carer can support both under a single weekly fee.