A Greater Manchester care home has lost its 'good' rating after being inspected for the first time since 2019, this week's healthcare inspections reveal. Merrymeet Residential Care Home, in Tootal Grove, Salford, was told it needed to make improvements by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which raised a number of concerns around safety at the home.
These included criticisms that one resident's epilepsy and diabetes had not been monitored during their stay there. Further concerns were raised over medicine and risk management. The home has said it is 'deeply sorry' for the shortcomings identified and is now focused on 'putting these failings right'.
Inspection findings at Merrymeet
Merrymeet Residential Care Home was rated 'requires improvement' by inspectors. The home was last inspected in 2019 when it was judged to be 'good'. Health conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes for one resident had not been included in their care plan or medication file, and 'no action' had been taken to check on these conditions while they were living at the home.
Risk assessments were not updated in a timely manner following identification of changes to people's health. Staff were not provided with information or techniques to best manage these. A controlled drug was not safely stored and could not be located by staff; it was later found in the senior carer's office awaiting disposal. Records showed occasions when a resident might have benefited from pain relief but had not been offered this.
However, people spoke positively about the care and compassion shown by staff at the home. One said: "They [staff] are very nice. [They are] always there to discuss your problems."
Manager's response
Mark Jones, registered manager at Merrymeet, said he is 'deeply sorry' that aspects of the home's service 'fell below the standards' residents and families 'should expect'. He added the home accepts the findings, takes full responsibility for the shortcomings and is focused on 'putting these right'.
He added: "For 40 years, our family-run service has been dedicated to providing compassionate, personal care. We are proud of that history and the relationships we have built with residents and families. We welcome CQC's recognition that staff treated people with care, dignity and respect, and that residents described staff as kind and caring. CQC also recognised good partnership working with GPs, pharmacists and specialist nurses.
"External professionals spoke positively about staff's approach, their rapport with residents and visiting professionals, and their responsiveness in seeking medical input and escalating concerns. We value these positive findings and our long history of caring for people, but neither takes away from the failings CQC identified. We remain open to scrutiny and responsible for putting things right today."
Mr Jones continued: "In April 2025, our sister home, Bradmere, was devastated by an arson attack. Thankfully, everyone was evacuated safely and no lives were lost. The aftermath has placed exceptional demands on our family and services while we have continued to care for residents at Merrymeet. These circumstances do not excuse the shortcomings identified at Merrymeet. Whatever difficulties we face, we remain responsible for our residents' safety, dignity and wellbeing.
"We have already begun putting our improvement plan into practice to address the shortcomings identified by CQC. We know what needs to change and are strengthening our procedures, records, audits, and management oversight. Further work is needed to ensure these changes are consistently reflected in day-to-day care, and we will monitor progress and verify their effectiveness."
Other CQC reports in the region
Ashville Surgery, in Whalley Range, Manchester, is one of the services rated 'good' this week. The GP was nearing the end of an 'extensive refurbishment' which included new treatment rooms, step-free access and a more accessible reception. Inspectors added there were enough skilled staff at the practice and care offered was judged to be safe. Infection risks were appropriately managed and the setting was 'visibly clean'. Improvements needed to be made to ensure medicines were properly reviewed and monitored, however. One person had overdue blood tests, and their previous results had not been added to their GP record. The practice supported a 'range of' patient activities, including exercise groups, arts and crafts, and a gardening group.
Blue Tree Care Ltd, in Grange Avenue, Oldham, was also rated 'good' by the CQC. People who used the domiciliary care service said they 'felt safe because of the care they received'. Care plans offered appropriate guidance and risk assessments were 'person-centred and regularly reviewed'. One relative said: "[Person] is totally reliant on [staff] for everything and they are just brilliant – patient, personable, skilful." Service users were supported by a small group of staff who 'knew them well' and rotas were 'planned well', ensuring people received 'regular and timely' support.
Dr Christina Mary Greenhough, also known as Mossley Medical Practice, in Tameside, was rated 'good' this week. The GP was judged to offer safe care with enough skilled and experienced staff employed. Staff had not completed all their training, however, with none up to date with mental capacity act and sepsis awareness modules. People using the service said they felt listened to and were treated with kindness. Some 94pc of respondents to a national survey said they were treated with care and concern.
Mayfield Care Home, in Sale, Trafford, was another service to receive a 'good' rating this week. The home had a 'proactive and positive culture of safety', with staff concentrating on 'improving people's lives'. Care was judged to be 'safe' and 'supportive'. People were 'always treated with kindness, empathy and compassion'.
