Recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections across Greater Manchester have highlighted a range of concerns, including hygiene issues at a Stockport care home and recruitment problems at a Platt Bridge GP surgery. However, a Manchester home care service was praised for its exceptional kindness.
Stockport care home concerns
Hilltop Court Nursing Home in Heaton Norris was rated 'requires improvement' following its latest inspection. While some improvements were noted since a previous warning notice, the home remained in breach of two of four regulatory areas previously raised as concerns.
Inspectors found residents with dirty fingernails, unclean hair, and 'unclean' clothes and footwear. Although electronic records indicated support with washing, it was unclear if personal care was closely attended to or if records were accurate. Some people did not always have access to drinks in their bedrooms, and inspectors had concerns about underweight residents not receiving enough calories.
Concerns were also raised over the 'significant use' of sensor beams to alert staff to residents' movements in beds, with assessments 'not robust' and not evidencing this as the least restrictive practice. The impact of 'loud alarms' had not been considered. The building, while redecorated, had some unlocked doors, emergency cords not set to standards, uncovered radiators, and 'malodorous' bedrooms with cleanliness shortfalls. The ground floor bathroom was cluttered with trolleys housing soiled laundry. Outstanding actions regarding the fire risk assessment were noted, though the home reported these done following inspection.
Despite these issues, relatives spoke positively about the staff, with one saying: "I've no complaints about any of the staff. The new manager is trying to improve things. I've no complaints at all." Harbour Healthcare, which runs the home, was approached for comment.
GP recruitment issues in Wigan
Dr Ahmad and Partners in Platt Bridge, also known as Alexander House, was rated 'requires improvement' following an inspection. While judged 'good' in effectiveness, caring, and responsiveness, safety and leadership concerns were raised.
Inspectors found 'several gaps' in safety oversight, including fire risks, out-of-date consumables, and legionella assessments. Significant gaps in staff training completion rates were also discovered, with mandatory training in safeguarding, infection prevention and control, and first aid expired for some staff. Recruitment concerns included one GP file with no evidence of qualifications, and new admin and reception staff starting before all pre-employment checks were completed. Missing information included references, proof of identity, DBS checks, and employment history documentation.
However, staff 'always' treated people with kindness, empathy, and compassion, and demonstrated awareness of vulnerable people's needs, including quiet spaces and prioritised access for patients with learning disabilities, autism, and sensory impairments. Same-day appointments were available where clinically required, children were always seen on the day, and evening and weekend appointments were available through Primary Care Network extended access services. Some 90% of survey respondents described their overall experience as good, compared to a national average of 77%. Dr Ahmad and Partners was approached for comment.
Positive ratings for other services
Dam Head Medical Centre in Rochdale Road, Manchester, was rated 'good'. Care was judged safe, with appropriate staff training and recruitment, and 'visibly clean' premises. The practice offered extended hours and an online system for appointments and advice, reducing phone pressures. Double appointment slots were offered for those needing extra support.
Passion Home Care Ltd in Gibfield Park Avenue also received a 'good' rating, with inspectors finding the service 'exceptional' at treating people with kindness, empathy, and compassion. Service users spoke highly of their carers, with one saying: "I would describe the staff as lovely human beings that care and look after me exceptionally well. I don't think I could find a better company who are as flexible and supportive." Another said: "Every girl who comes to me are like angels. They are always smiling… I cannot believe that a company has such smashing girls." A relative added: "I have been blown away with the support and level of care received from them."
The report noted a person without close family recently celebrated a 'landmark' birthday, with their care team organising a small celebration with cards, gifts, balloons, and cake, which 'brought this person immense joy'. The service was flexible with admissions, including admitting people earlier than planned to ensure safety.
Rochdale Road Medical Centre in Middleton was also judged 'good'. Patients felt involved and confident that staff understood their needs. Inspectors noted 'strong attention to detail in the care they provided' and that staff were 'respectful and compassionate'. While medicines were generally managed appropriately, some emergency medications were not available at the time of the visit, with no risk assessment in place to explain the gaps or mitigate risks.
