Two Greater Manchester care homes, including a facility in Oldham, have been told they must improve following the latest round of inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with regulators forced to intervene at the home to prevent a resident from scalding themselves.

Meadway Court in Oldham was found to have "ongoing concerns" regarding medicine management, particularly surrounding time-sensitive medication, stock balances, and guidance for medicines given 'as required'. Inspectors also found parts of the home were "not very clean", with dirty skirting boards, dusty radiator covers, and a handrail described as "sticky to touch". Some of these issues had been flagged months earlier but had returned by the time of the CQC's visit.

The most serious findings related to resident safety. A resident with a "significantly low body weight" was only referred to a dietitian after the inspectors raised the issue. In a separate incident, inspectors themselves had to step in to prevent a resident from scalding themselves. The report noted that while some of the problems had been identified by the home's own internal audits and resolved, the same failings had reoccurred.

Despite the criticisms over cleanliness and safety management, residents at Meadway Court told inspectors they felt safe at the home. "I've been living here about 11 months. I feel safe and happy here with all my friends," one resident said. Staff recruitment was found to be safe, and residents reported that there were always enough staff available to assist them.

In a stark contrast to the concerns raised at Meadway Court, a separate domiciliary care service in the region was awarded a 'good' rating by the CQC. Service users and their families spoke consistently positively about the care provided.

Most people received their visits on time, and care plans were regularly updated to reflect changing needs. One relative praised the service, stating: "The staff go beyond and above what's needed. They've got to know [Relative] very, very well." Another user said of their carers: "Three of them are like my little treasures."

Inspectors highlighted the case of one person who had been experiencing social isolation and loneliness. After being transferred to the service, their care was described as "transformational" for regaining their independence. "It enabled this person to become increasingly confident and feel less restricted, expressing a view they felt they had more control around their life," the report noted. New staff at the service received a comprehensive induction, including shadowing experienced carers in the community.

Elsewhere, a hospital serving residents across the region was also inspected. Patients in medical care and diagnostic imaging departments reported very high levels of satisfaction. Interactions between nursing teams and patients were described as "calm, positive and professional", with patients praising staff as "friendly and caring". Service users on the outpatient pathway described their care as "excellent" and "amazing".

Inspectors noted that patients felt fully informed prior to diagnostic procedures, with risks properly considered and consent sought in advance. In the imaging department, staff closely monitored patients before, during, and after scans to ensure they were comfortable, immediately pausing or stopping procedures if the patient experienced any pain or anxiety.

The hospital was found to be "visibly clean", with suitable staffing levels and an experienced, knowledgeable workforce. Medicines were largely managed safely across the hospital, although a minor concern was raised over prescriptions in the diagnostic imaging department not always being completed in line with best practice. Fee-paying patients said they were clearly informed about total costs and payment options, and felt no pressure to accept additional treatments.