A care home in Westhoughton has been told that it must improve by the healthcare watchdog.

Following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission in January and February, Woodlands Care Home on Wigan Road has received an overall rating of "requires improvement".

Of the five rated areas, the service’s safety and leadership were both deemed to require improvement.

The report says that this means that there was an increased risk that people could be harmed, and the leaders and the culture they created did not always support the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.

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The report said: “We found systems for managing medicines were not always safe.

“Medicines were ordered, but not always delivered or booked in in a timely manner.

"As a result, people did not always receive their medicines as prescribed.

“We have made recommendations about the effective recording of people's needs within care plans and auditing systems.”

The remaining assessed categories – the service’s effectiveness, care, and responsiveness - were all rated "good".

The report added: “Staff were trained to recognise potential risks and signs of abuse.

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“Risks to people's safety and wellbeing were assessed and reviewed by managers.

“Staff used personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately when supporting people.”

The report also notes that healthy lifestyles are promoted, including menu planning, the meeting of dietary needs and individual and cultural preferences.

“Staff had the skills and knowledge to deliver care effectively,” the report adds.

“The environment was well maintained and designed to meet people's needs.

“People's needs were assessed and reviewed regularly, and staff were trained to provide support whilst promoting independence.”

Staff were found to be “polite” and the feedback from service users and their relatives was complimentary of them.

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The report said: “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, the policies, and systems in the service supported this practice.”

The care home, which is owned by Harbour Healthcare, provides personal care to older people and people living with dementia and can accommodate 55 people in one adapted building at the time.

At the time of the inspection, 54 people were using the service.

Harbour was approached for a comment but did not provide one.