Premier Care Limited Specialised Services in Stretford received the only negative rating in this week's round of Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections across Greater Manchester. The supported living and homecare agency was judged as 'requires improvement', with concerns raised over medicine safety and leadership.
Despite the overall rating, the service received good ratings for caring, effectiveness and responsiveness. Inspectors noted a 'significant difference' in improvements made since the 2025 inspection. A previous suspension of referrals from Trafford council has been lifted, though the service remains in breach of two legal regulations.
Inspector findings and provider response
Inspectors found discrepancies in medicine management records and could not be sure medicines were being correctly administered. Allergy details were missing, increasing risk, and further improvements were needed to care plans to ensure they were accurate and up-to-date. However, the CQC felt the new management deserved 'a lot of credit' for the progress made.
People spoke highly of staff. One person said: "I am happy. The staff listen and they are kind and they are respectful." Another added: "They treat me very nicely. I am happy with things as they are. Yes, the staff are kind and caring."
A spokesperson for Premier Care Specialised Services said: "Over the past year, we have worked closely with the CQC and the Local Authority to implement a comprehensive improvement plan for this service, including introducing a stronger management team and enhancing oversight across the site."
The spokesperson added: "As a result we have improved our ratings to 'Good' in the Effective, Caring and Responsive categories, with the Local Authority noting our positive progress. The CQC report also acknowledges this improvement, noting that the stronger management team 'deserves a lot of credit for the progress made' in strengthening culture, raising standards, and advancing safety and care planning."
Other Greater Manchester ratings
Mandalay Medical Centre in Bolton was rated 'good'. The GP offered safe care with enough staff and had improved its telephone systems with a 'ring back' option. Some equipment needed replacing but had not been done at the time of inspection in September; inspectors said the practice would do this 'when funds allowed'.
Hamilton Rest Home in Bury received a 'good' rating. The care home provided care that was 'safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them'. One resident said: "They treat you like people not patients."
Cottage HomeCare Services in Rochdale was rated 'good', with inspectors judging the agency offered safe care with sufficient staffing. Staff 'always' treated people with kindness and compassion.
Cornerstone Medical Practice in Salford was judged 'good', though improvements were needed in leadership. Inspectors said some areas needed cleaning and some patients' medicines had not been reviewed. A national survey showed 98% of respondents said their healthcare professional treated them with care and concern.
Springfield Surgery in Stockport received a 'good' rating, but concern was raised that emergency equipment, including the defibrillator, was stored behind a keypad locked door, meaning it was 'not immediately accessible' in an emergency. Some 95% of patients who responded to a national survey said staff treated them with care and concern.
Awburn House Medical Practice in Tameside received a 'good' rating with an 'outstanding' for caring. The CQC judged it 'exceptional' at treating people with kindness, empathy and compassion. Some 97% of respondents to a national survey said staff treated them with care and concern. The GP had also received a gold standard Pride in Practice award.
Four Oaks Care Home in Partington received a 'good' rating. The provider offered care that was 'safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them'. One person told the inspection team: "The staff here can't do enough….the staff always go the extra mile."
