The Care Quality Commission
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  • Care home

Bridge House Residential Home

Overall: Requires improvement read more about inspection ratings

Bridge House Care Home, Topping Fold Road, Bury, BL9 7NQ (0161) 764 1736

Provided and run by:
Lotus Care (Bridge House) Limited

Important: The provider of this service changed. See old profile
Important:

We issued a Warning Notice to Lotus Care (Bridge House) Limited on 2 April 2026 for failing to meet the regulation relating to good governance at Bridge House Residential Home.

All Inspections

During an assessment under our new approach

The assessment began on 3 February and concluded on 25 March 2026. Bridge House provides accommodation and personal care for up to 30 people. At the time of our assessment there were 21 people living at the home.

This assessment was prompted in part due to information of concern around people’s care and support, staff training and development, meal options, equipment and lack of activities and opportunities. We also wanted to follow up on the 4 breaches of regulation found during out last inspection of the service in July 2025. The provider had submitted at a time an action plan detailing how they would make the necessary improvements. A number of improvements identified within the action plan had not been completed within the timescale identified and remained outstanding.

During this assessment we found the provider remained in breach of 3 regulations in relation to staffing, environment and good governance.

The service had not had a registered manager since May 2023. Further appointments had been unsuccessful. This meant effective management and oversight of the service had not been provided. Furthermore, this had impacted on the support provided for staff. A recent manager appointment had been made; they were due to commence employment following our site visits. Staff felt stable and consistent management was needed to address the action required, improve communication and provide better support and direction for the team.

Systems to evidence robust management and oversight of the service were not in place to demonstrate timely and effective action was taken to drive and embed areas of improvement. Care records were to be expanded upon providing more person centred information and oversight and management of risk needed to be improved. Not all events, which should be reported to CQC by law, had been provided.

Appropriate recruitment checks were in place. Decisions about the suitability of candidates could be improved, along with training, supervision and support for staff. Staff said morale was improving and the team worked well together.

Improvements were still required to enhance the physical environment as well as providing a more dementia-friendly environment.

In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward.

During an assessment under our new approach

The assessment began on 8 July 2025 and concluded on the 6 August 2025. Bridge House provides accommodation and personal care for up to 30 people. At the time of our assessment there were 25 people living at the home.

The assessment was prompted in part due to information of concern received in relation to people’s care and support, staffing, the environment and hygiene standards and management and oversight. This assessment examined those concerns. We looked at 22 of the quality statements across the 5 key questions. During this assessment we identified 4 breaches of regulation in relation to the environment, training and development, recruitment and governance.

The service had not had a registered manager since May 2023. Three further appointments had been made since that time. At the time of our visit the new manager had been in post 4 weeks.

Management systems to help monitor and review care standards needed to be fully embedded to evidence effective oversight and on-going improvements within the service. Due to the concerns, the local authority had also carried out a quality monitoring visit. Areas of improvement identified had been included in the home’s business improvement plan.

All necessary pre-employment checks were not in place for new staff. Areas of staff training and development also needed improving so staff were effectively supported in their role. We received a mixed response from staff about working at Bridge House and the impact of management changes.

A staffing dependency tool was utilised to determine staffing levels required. These were reflected on the rotas. However, from our observations and feedback from staff, sufficient numbers of staff were not always available. Some staff felt there was also little opportunity to engage in meaningful activities with people or provide personalised care.

Electronic care records were being implemented. A review of people’s records showed information about people’s wishes and preferences needed to be improved. Monitoring of potential areas of risk also needed improving so that changes in need could easily be identified and responded to.

People received their medicines as prescribed. However, records to reflect variable doses or when required medicines needed more detail. Staff worked with relevant agencies in meeting people’s healthcare needs.

On-going work was required to improve the standard of accommodation. Servicing and checks in relation to the premises and equipment were carried out. However, a satisfactory mains electric check was not in place. Work had been completed to improve fire safety. Further fire drills were needed to ensure all staff were aware of the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.

 

 

5 October 2022

During an inspection looking at part of the service

About the service

Bridge House is a residential care home providing personal and support for up to 30 people, some of whom live with dementia. Accommodation is provided over two floors, accessed via a passenger lift. All bedrooms are single with en-suite facilities. At the time of the inspection there were 30 people living at the home.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

People and their visitors spoke positively about the care and support provided. People told us they were actively encouraged to follow activities of their own choosing. Activity staff provided a range of opportunities for people. Staff were said to be kind and respectful, this was supported by our observations.

Management systems were in place to monitor and review the standard of care and support provided. The views of people had been sought and acted upon. Any complaints and concerns were recorded and responded to, where necessary information was shared with relevant parties. No issues were raised us with by external agencies we contacted.

Sufficient numbers of staff were available throughout the day and night. Recruitment checks had been carried out when appointing new staff. Staff spoken with felt the team worked well together and were supported by the registered manager. A range of training and development opportunities were in place to support the team.

Care plans and risk assessments were available to guide staff on the care and support people wanted and needed. 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.

People’s prescribed medication was managed safely. The service benefitted from good support in meeting the health care and medication needs of people from the local GP and supplying pharmacist.

We found the home to be clean and tidy. Internal and external safety checks were completed to the equipment and premises to help keep people safe. Redecoration was planned to enhance areas of the home.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published 5 December 2019).

Why we inspected

We received concerns in relation to the management of the service and the recruitment of staff. As a result, we undertook a focused inspection to review the key questions of safe and well-led only.

We looked at infection prevention and control measures under the Safe key question. We look at this in all care home inspections even if no concerns or risks have been identified. This is to provide assurance that the service can respond to COVID-19 and other infection outbreaks effectively.

For those key questions not inspected, we used the ratings awarded at the last inspection to calculate the overall rating.

The overall rating for the service has remained unchanged. We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern. Please see the safe and well-led sections of this full report.

You can read the report from our last comprehensive inspection, by selecting the ‘all reports’ link for Bridge House Residential Home on our website at www.cqc.org.uk

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service, which will help inform when we next inspect.

3 February 2021

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Bridge House Residential Home is a care home registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 30 people, some of whom live with dementia. At the time of this inspection there were 22 people living at the home.

We found the following examples of good practice.

The home had developed a designated unit to support up to seven people. Admissions were to be made for people who were medically fit for discharge from hospital and required a period of isolation as well as those requiring end of life care, who are Covid-19 positive.

The unit is situated on the first floor and is accessible via a key coded door. A clear pathway had been identified allowing easy access when admitting people to the unit, whilst minimising risks to those living in the home. All bedrooms are single with an en-suite shower room. Aids and adaptations were in place to assist people, where needed.

To minimise the risk of cross infection, a designated team of staff had been identified to support the unit. Staff had access to all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and had completed relevant training in infection control procedures and the donning and doffing of PPE. Suitable arrangements had been made for the disposal of waste and the laundering of dirty clothing and bedding.

In partnership with the hospital discharge team, admission arrangements had been agreed so people were transferred safely between services.

Arrangements for visitors were kept under constant review in line with current guidance. Appropriate arrangements would be made for those visiting people at the end of their life. Alternative arrangements were available for people to maintain contact with family and friends.

The service continued to have support from the community nursing team as well as GP services.

We were assured that this service met good infection prevention and control guidelines as a designated care setting.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

9 December 2020

During an inspection looking at part of the service

Bridge House Residential Home is a care home registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide accommodation and personal care for up to 30 people, some of whom live with dementia. 22 people lived at the home at the time of this inspection.

We found the following examples of good practice

Staff confidently demonstrated the use of PPE and hand sanitising stations were readily accessible before entering and in the home.

The home was well ventilated and clean; regular cleaning procedures were in place to minimise the risk of infection.

The service engaged with a regular testing programme and staff were positive in their approach to supporting people with this process.

Areas for improvement

Whilst we were assured about the providers whole-service approach to IPC, we recommend the provider explores better technological solutions to ensure people living in the home can stay in regular contact with their relatives and friends.

29 October 2019

During a routine inspection

About the service

Bridge House is a residential care home providing personal and support for up to 30 people, some of whom live with dementia. Accommodation is provided over two floors, accessed via a passenger lift. All bedrooms are single with en-suite facilities. At the time of the inspection there were 29 people living at the home.

People’s experience of using this service and what we found

Prior to this inspection we had received a number of concerns about the management and care of people living at Bridge House. It was acknowledged a series of changes in ownership of the service had impacted on standards within the home. However, during this inspection people and staff told us and our findings showed the new owner had been proactive in identifying and taking action to make any improvements needed, as detailed throughout this report. No further concerns were raised with us.

People, their visitors and staff spoke positively about the management of the service. We were told managers were approachable and supportive. People also spoke about the kindness of staff and how they were cared for in a way they wanted and needed.

Auditing systems were in place providing oversight of the service. The management team were clear about how they wanted to develop the service further to enhance the experiences of people. Plans were in place to address this.

Staff had been safely recruited to work at Bridge House. There was a programme of induction, training and supervision to support staff personnel development. This was confirmed by staff we spoke to. Whilst there had been some turnover in staff, people, we were told this was now more settled. We found sufficient numbers of staff were available to support people in a timely manner.

We saw and people told us activities were provided. Further opportunities were being planned for to provide further variety to people’s day. People’s enjoyed regular visits from family and friends, who said they were made very welcome.

A programme of improvements were being made to enhance the standard of accommodation as well as create a more ‘dementia friendly’ environment. We have made a recommendation about the implementation of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS).

Aids and adaptations were provided to aid people’s mobility and promote their safety. Relevant maintenance and safety checks were undertaken to ensure the premises and equipment were kept safe. Hygiene standards were maintained to help minimise the risk of cross infection.

People’s nutrition and hydration needs were met. A choice of meals and refreshments were offered throughout the day. Kitchen staff had a good understanding of the people’s dietary needs. The kitchen was clean, organised and all equipment was in good working order.

People received their prescribed medicines in a safe way. People and their visitors told us they had access to a range of health care professionals to help maintain their health and well-being.

Relevant authorisations were in place where people were being deprived of their liberty. 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.

Care records reflected the individual needs, wishes and preferences of people. Staff spoken with had a good understanding of people’s and how they wished to be supported. Staff were described as respectful and provided care in a kind and caring manner.

Staff aware of the procedure to follow with regards to safeguarding people from harm and had confidence the management team would respond quickly to any issues brought to their attention. Systems were in place for recording and responding to complaints.

For more details, please see the full report which is on the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk

Rating at last inspection

The last rating for this service was good (published January 2017). Since this rating was awarded the registered provider of the service has changed. We have used the previous rating to inform our planning and decisions about the rating at this inspection.

Why we inspected

The inspection was prompted in part due to concerns received by CQC and the local authority about the care and safety of people living at the home and the management of the service. A decision was made for us to inspect and examine those risks.

We found no evidence during this inspection that people were at risk of harm from this concern. Please see the safe, effective, responsive and well-led sections of this full report.

Follow up

We will continue to monitor information we receive about the service until we return to visit as per our re-inspection programme. If we receive any concerning information we may inspect sooner.