Upton's Orchard Manor Care Home has been rated as 'requiring improvement', in a CQC report prompted by concerns about "risks to people's safety".

In its latest inspection, the CQC identified three breaches in care received at the Chester nursing home, which provides support for older adults living with dementia and physical disabilities. 

The assessment carried out between 12 September and 23 October 2025 was prompted by information received about "risks to people's safety".

The report included concerns related to unsafe care practices and governances, outlining breaches in relation to person-centred care, safe treatment, and good governance. 

Findings from the visits included inconsistencies and lack of individual-focused care within planning, environmental and infection prevention, and governance systems that "had not identified or addressed these issues in a timely way". 

The report outlined issues with the building itself, citing the environment was not always "clean, well-maintained, or safely organised". 

The report said: "The home environment and décor were not always personalised and did not consistently promote people's dignity. Some people's rooms appeared bare, with limited personalisation.

"We observed several maintenance and environmental issues in several areas of the home, including broken fittings, unsafe flooring, leaks, mould, soiling and unclean bathrooms. 

advertisement

"We observed continence products stored visibly and openly in people's rooms and communal areas. Some people's personal toiletries were stored on top of toilets."

Inconsistency with some resident's care planning records was also noted, with health guidance not always specific and some care plans not reflecting individual needs and preferences. 

Whilst acknowledging medicines were managed and administered "safely" for the most part, the report did state that protocols for medicines prescribed on a 'when required' basis "did not always provide clear guidance to staff".

Staff with the right skills, qualifications and experience were described as ample in number - alongside managers ensuring staff did receive appropriate training. 

The report also describes staff as appearing to be caring and committed in their roles.

It said: "Following our assessment feedback, leaders evidenced learning and made immediate improvements, including to infection prevention and control processes and environmental monitoring. 

"The provider demonstrated an openness and a commitment to improving the quality and safety of the service."

Mixed feedback was received from residents and their relatives, with some citing the kindness and dedication of staff, and others raising concerns about isolation and lack of personal independence.

One relative said: "From day one the home has been excellent. They care, they are professional, and nothing is too much trouble."

Another relative, who criticsised the standard of their loved one's personal care, said: "We had to ask for [Name] to be positioned to look at the television, not the wall."

Lack of support for independence, low numbers of activities on offer and the "attitude of some members of staff" were various factors listed from relatives.

Concerns about activity provision were noted, as one relative said: "They [activities] only seem to be on one side of the home. Activities are often cancelled as they have not got enough staff."

Concerns were also raised about practical issues such as missing possessions, unclear visiting arrangements, and delays in communication.

Orchard Manor Care Home did not respond to requests for comment. You can find the full report here.