Relief after care home threatened with closure receives glowing inspection report

Photo: Mosaic Publicity/St Augustine

Smithy Bridge Court, Littleborough

A care home that was put in special measures two years ago has been left ‘delighted’ after receiving a glowing inspection report.

Smithy Bridge Court, based in Littleborough, was told they were putting residents ‘at risk of abuse’ back in 2021.
 

Read more: Care home where residents were put ‘at risk of abuse’ taken out of special measures – but told it must improve furtherPublished: 13 June 2022

Now, two years and two inspections later, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated them as ‘Good’.

Following the watchdog’s inspection of the Barke Street site back in June, they have scored ‘Good’ in all categories of being safe, well-led and responsive.

The report published on 2 August described the home as a place where ‘people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests’.

It went on to praise Smithy Bridge Court for their management of safeguarding risks, risk assessments, care plans as well as treatment of residents.

One resident, speaking to inspectors, said: “I think it’s very good care; I can’t grumble. I could speak with one staff member, who’s lovely, about anything that’s worrying me. The staff always come quickly if I call for them.”

This is a complete turnaround from two years ago where inspectors raised concerns over staffing levels, management of medicines and safeguarding. The inspectors said back in 2021 that the site could be closed down in six months if ‘significant improvements’ were not made.

The care home made those improvements and are ‘delighted’ with their improvement journey which has been topped off by this latest CQC report.

A spokesperson for Towerview Care said: “Towerview Care are absolutely delighted at the recent ‘Good’ rating awarded by the CQC following an inspection at one of our care homes, Smithy Bridge Court. The team led by Kyron Smith (manager) supported by Amber Harrison (deputy manager) and Joanne Cruise (clinical matron) along with the senior management team have worked hard to improve all aspects of care and governance.

“Smithy Bridge Court has been on a journey of improvement. Receiving a ‘Good’ rating has validated the hard work the whole team at the home have done to demonstrate the high standards of care we provide to make a difference to the lives of the people we care and support.”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter