Ringway Mews Care Home in Wythenshawe and Worsley Lodge in Salford both feature in newly published Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports that criticise staffing levels at the homes.
Ringway Mews rated 'inadequate'
The Wythenshawe home received the lowest possible CQC ranking. Inspectors found staff were "run ragged" and "dreading" going to work, while relatives said the staff-to-resident ratio seemed "unsafe" at times and impacted on care.
Seven legal breaches were discovered, up from two at the previous inspection in 2025. Medicine management was a concern, with time-critical medicines, antihypertensives and dementia treatments not consistently given at the right times. Inspectors also found not all residents had toothbrushes, areas of the home were not "clean and hygienic", and staff did not always respond "quickly enough". They said they "had to intervene" to ensure one person could go to the toilet. The television was "on too loud", and staff were "unable to hear the person stating they would use the floor if someone did not assist them soon".
Springcare Ltd, which runs the home, did not respond to a request for comment.
Worsley Lodge told to improve
Worsley Lodge in Salford was rated "requires improvement" after inspectors found "breaches of regulation regarding safe staffing levels". Carers seemed "rushed", needs were not met, and residents were left waiting for essentials like breakfast or water.
Residents said: "There’s not enough staff, the buzzer goes for ages, I can wait for over half an hour for a drink. Sometimes they don’t serve people meals for ages and don’t give us a drink of tea."
The CQC observed "occasions where people with complex needs were left unattended in communal lounges". Two-hourly checks and repositioning for people that required it were often "considerably delayed".
Staff shortages affected morale and meant agency staff were frequently brought in despite a lower quality of service. One staff member said: "Using so many agency staff is no good. It sets you back as it’s like doing two jobs, as we need to check the agency person is doing things right."
However, residents praised the "good and kind" care provided by full-time staff, and families said the home felt "safe". The CQC also complimented "engaging activities" including pub lunches and canal boat trips.
A spokeswoman for the home responded: "We were pleased that the CQC recognised the caring and effective support provided at Worsley Lodge, with both areas rated Good, and that residents spoke positively about our colleagues and the care they receive. We take the CQC's feedback seriously and we appreciate the regulator has identified areas where improvements are needed such as ensuring staffing levels meet the needs of our residents."
Other CQC reports across Greater Manchester
Bury
Cygnet Bury Hudson, an independent mental health service, was rated good overall but "requires improvement" for safety. Inspectors found risks were not "routinely shared" during staff handovers, including missing medical conditions and failure to relay a ward shutdown so a contraband search could be carried out.
Mould was found in the wards, along with damaged furniture and fittings, rotten wood in the garden and a cracked window screen. One door was missing a handle and judged not safe to close because patients had to put their hand through it to shut it and remove them at the last minute. These issues were not in maintenance logs, though records showed 1,264 maintenance tasks had been completed in a year.
The CQC praised the service for activities such as walking groups, cooking and yoga, and for self-care skills groups covering sleep hygiene, sensory relaxation and vocational skills. Staff were described as "respectful" and "responsive", with most patients saying they felt "listened to" and "treated well". Several patients volunteered in the local community, with one saying: "Volunteering makes me happy as it gets me off the ward and keeps my mental health stable."
A spokeswoman for Cygnet said: "We are pleased the Care Quality Commission recognised the significant improvements made at Cygnet Bury Hudson, with the service now upgraded to Good overall having achieved Good ratings for Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led."
Manchester
Norlands Nursing Home in Newton Heath was rated "good". The CQC described a "warm and reassuring" environment, with staff "engaging positively with people through conversation, laughter and singing". Service users seemed "calm, relaxed and comfortable" around staff. Assessment tools helped staff "take timely action when risks were identified", including prompt referrals and appropriate support.
One relative said: "The staff at Norlands are very kind and helpful, (name) looks comfortable and contented – it’s a good place."
Oldham
John Street Medical Practice was rated "good". The CQC recognised patient consultation groups attended by patients who had or were at risk of developing the same condition, covering diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer awareness, healthy living and exercise. Tests including blood tests, cholesterol, urine tests and blood pressure were taken during sessions.
A new liver pathway for people at risk of fatty liver disease reduced what had been up to 10 separate appointments to one longer appointment, saving 632 appointment slots and reducing non-attendance. Patients described staff as "amazing" and "caring".
Stockport
Drakelow House Residential Home in Heaton Moor received a "good" rating. The CQC said people were involved in decisions about their care and told what had changed as a result. However, not all risks had been "fully or formally assessed", with some "shortfalls in the actions taken". The home was also "experiencing difficulties" sourcing staff or contractors for "minor" maintenance work.
Trafford
Summerhill Health in Altrincham was rated "good". The private GP practice has a perfect five-star Google review rating with 103 reviews, and the CQC said it had received 53 positive comments. Patients were "given sufficient time" during consultations, and urgent needs received "prompt support", including opening outside normal hours for a patient requiring urgent blood tests.
Ferrol Lodge Care Home in Sale also received a "good" rating. Inspectors said a "stable" staff team allowed employees to "develop positive relationships" with service users, with good understanding of medicines management, infection prevention and risk management. One person said: "The staff are great here, they're always around to help."
Wigan
Astley General Practice was rated "good" overall, with "outstanding" for caring. Inspectors said the GP was "exceptional" at treating people with "kindness, empathy and compassion", having received 100 positive comments from patients. One patient said: "They always listen and have never made me feel like I’m just another patient in a sea of patients. They work tirelessly to make sure our individual needs are supported. They are knowledgeable and explain things in a way that helps me to understand what is wrong and what is needed going forward."
The service has created educational videos for social media on health topics such as diabetes, flu, weight management, menopause and vitamin D. Care was judged to be safe, with enough staff employed.
