Hillcrest Residential Home in Tyldesley has been told it needs to improve safety after inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated it 'requires improvement' overall. Concerns were raised over safety and leadership, though the home received a 'good' rating for being effective, caring and responsive.
Among the issues raised were a lack of learning from incidents, gaps in staff training and medicine management concerns. Inspectors did say, however, that people at the home were 'always' treated with 'kindness, empathy and compassion'.
Manchester GP practices rated 'good'
Wellfield Medical Centre in Crumpsall was rated 'good' by inspectors this week. The GP was found to offer safe care that met people's needs in a visibly clean setting. The service holds Military Veteran Friendly and Pride in Practice accreditation, meaning staff were trained to understand military health related conditions and offered high-quality care to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Most people said staff were good at treating them with care and concern.
Gorton Medical Centre in Garratt Way also received a 'good' rating. Care was judged to be safe at the practice, and the premises were 'clean, well-maintained and accessible'. Staff understood their safeguarding responsibilities and were recruited safely. Patients described staff as 'friendly' and said they had 'positive relationships' with them. The practice made reasonable adjustments for those who needed it, including home visits, offering longer appointments and providing interpreters. People with long-term conditions were monitored 'routinely'.
Wigan care home and hospital inspections
Inspectors criticised Hillcrest Residential Home over a 'lack of learning' from incidents and for not reviewing risk assessments 'regularly' to ensure they remained up-to-date. Concerns were also flagged over the physical setting, with appropriate window restrictors not fitted and freestanding wardrobes not secured to the wall. Inspectors said immediate action was taken to resolve both issues.
The CQC was not 'assured' staff had completed necessary training, with gaps in records suggesting some had only done one or two modules. Some staff had last done safeguarding training in 2020 or 2021. Medicines were not always managed safely, and some people's records contained incorrect information. However, people at the home were 'always' treated with 'kindness, empathy and compassion', inspectors judged. Hillcrest Residential Home was approached for a comment.
Fir Trees Independent Hospital in Lower Ince was another service to be deemed 'good' this week. Staff at its long-stay and rehabilitation adult mental health wards were described as 'kind and caring'. Patients were encouraged to visit the ward before admission, and staff made sure patient needs could be safely met before they entered. Patients were involved in planning their care, with plans described as 'personalised, holistic and recovery oriented'.
People had regular opportunities for trips out, including fishing, shopping and walks. They could also take part in sports and cooking. The unit was described as 'welcoming, clean and well-staffed' by inspectors. Staff carried out regular risk assessments, and there were nurse call systems available throughout the hospital. There was 'always' a qualified nurse in communal areas, and staffing levels allowed patients to have 'regular' one-to-one time with their named nurse. Staff followed 'good' medicine practices.
