Newhey Manor Residential Care Home in Rochdale has been placed in special measures after inspectors found the front door unlocked, allowing anyone to walk in. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the dementia care home 'inadequate' overall, with safety and leadership also rated 'inadequate' and effectiveness, caring, and responsiveness rated 'requires improvement'.
Door unlocked and medicine concerns
When inspectors arrived, they were able to walk straight in through the unlocked front door, creating a risk as anyone could access the home. Medicine management was also a concern, with people 'still' not receiving medication safely or at the right times. Medicines were not always stored at safe temperatures, and staff demonstrated they 'did not know how to read the fridge temperatures'. Flammable creams were found in an electrical cupboard, which inspectors said was a fire risk.
Lack of stimulation and outdoor access
Residents did not have access to the outside, despite the back of the home opening to a large field, or natural light. Inspectors said natural light was 'particularly important' for people with dementia as it allows them to orient themselves to the time of day. People spent the 'large majority of their time sat in the same area with little stimulation'. The CQC had flagged these issues before, but changes had not been made.
Risk assessments and referrals lacking
There was 'no evidence' of learning when accidents and incidents took place. The provider needs to take a 'more proactive' approach to seeking external support for patients. One service user showed very large fluctuations in blood glucose, but there was no evidence of referral to investigate this. Similarly, where people had lost weight or were judged to be obese, referrals were not evidenced. Risk assessments were also lacking, with several people diagnosed with diabetes not having assessments in place, and one person who liked to order items online had no risk assessment to ensure safety.
Ongoing breaches from 2025
The rating has fallen from 'requires improvement' in 2025. Four legal breaches were identified in 2025, and the provider remained in breach of them at the latest inspection. The CQC said the home remained in breach of all of these. Newhey Manor was approached for a comment.
