Greater Manchester's latest Care Quality Commission reports reveal a care home has been told it needs to make changes after inspectors found mould, fire hazards, and insufficient staffing.
Hazelbrook Christian Nursing Home
Hazelbrook Christian Nursing Home, on Albert Street in Horwich, was rated 'requires improvement' and issued a warning notice. Concerns included unresolved fire risks from a 2025 assessment, such as gaps under bedroom doors and doors held open improperly. Electrical faults from 2025 also remained, including inappropriate light fittings and damaged sockets. Rotten window frames, cracked ceilings, and damp patches were found in several areas.
Staff raised concerns about low staffing levels, with agency staff lacking training. Inspectors observed residents left unobserved for periods and heard requests for toilet assistance ignored. One resident was told to wait until 11am for a drink after asking at 9.15am. The home's food hygiene rating was two stars, and the manager said the provider limited food spending to £2.50 per person per day.
A resident reported being shouted at and left in tears when their catheter caused pain, feeling disbelieved. Another said they had lost their dignity. Care notes showed male staff occasionally provided personal care to a resident whose family requested only female staff, and a resident was served meat despite religious restrictions. However, some relatives praised staff as pleasant and friendly. Staff felt CCTV was used to watch and punish them.
Bankfield Nursing Home
Bankfield Nursing Home in Bury was rated good. Residents felt very safe, with most staff having long tenure and close relationships. Staffing levels were appropriate, training compliance was good, and residents were relaxed and joking. Relatives described the home as spotless and immaculate, and meals were praised highly.
The Avenue Medical Centre
The Avenue Medical Centre in Blackley, Manchester, received a good rating. Inspectors found enough qualified staff, effective supervision, and up-to-date training. The practice was visibly clean and signposted patients to additional services, including housing support and food banks. Outcomes for patients were positive and consistent.
Sahara Avenues Ltd
Sahara Avenues Ltd, a homecare provider in Salford, was rated good in its first inspection. Only one person used the service, with one employee. Risks were well managed, training completed, and the care assessment holistic. The registered manager had a positive relationship with the person and their family.
Cheadle Hulme Medical Group
Cheadle Hulme Medical Group in Stockport was rated good. The GP provided safe, individualised care. While some building areas needed improvement, plans were in place. Staff referred patients to social inclusion services, and patients had access to an allotment. Patients felt listened to and treated with kindness.
Timperley Health Centre - Westwood
Timperley Health Centre - Westwood in Trafford was rated good. Staffing levels were adequate, with long-serving doctors providing continuity. People were treated with kindness and empathy. 96.4% of patients had good experiences contacting the service, compared to a national average of 52.9%.
