Working at Downshaw Lodge
Downshaw Road, Ashton Under Lyne, OL7 9QL
Operated by Qualia Care Limited
45 bedsNursing homes
Workplace Score
3.5/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 3.5/10
Key Finding
"A positive culture where staff support each other and activities are provided, but no permanent manager, medicines safety issues, and lack of supervision hold it back."
Safety & Risk
2/10
✕
Safeguarding concerns were being addressed... Applications to deprive people of their liberty were not submitted or renewed in a timely manner. Medicines were not consistently managed in a safe way.
Staff Culture
5/10
!
Whilst this had impacted on morale, staff spoke positively about working at the home. Staff felt they worked well together supported each other although some felt competence differed.
Staffing Levels
4/10
!
Adequate numbers of staff were available to support people’s needs. The service used agency staff but recent recruitment had reduced this; however, there was a breach of regulation 18 regarding staffing.
Training & Dev
3/10
✕
A programme of staff training was provided. However, formal supervision for both care and nursing staff were not undertaken or regular team meetings, and no practical training in de-escalation or clinical updates.
Management
2/10
✕
Downshaw Lodge is being managed by Administrators. Following the departure of the registered manager in August 2024, the regional manager had been proactive in securing a new appointment.
Programmes
4/10
!
Activities were provided both in and outside the home. Activity staff acknowledged it was difficult to engage some people; examples included themed events, pub visits, singers.
Points to consider
No permanent manager in place, run by administrators with weak oversight.
Downshaw Lodge is being managed by Administrators. Further management changes were being made following the departure of the registered manager.
Medication errors and delays in mental capacity paperwork leaving people unprotected.
Medicines were not consistently managed in a safe way. 3 authorisations were out of date and there had been considerable delays (up to 16 months) in submitting renewal applications.
Staff skills vary across the team with some agency workers and no consistent supervisions.
We received a mixed response about staff skills and abilities... formal supervision for both care and nursing staff were not undertaken.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: January 2025
Requires improvement
Safe
!
Requires improvement
Effective
!
Requires improvement
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
!
Requires improvement
Management Quality
Well-led: Requires improvement
Staff Reviews
Direct feedback from current and former employees
No one has reviewed yet. Be the first.
Scan the QR code or tap the button to chat with us on WhatsApp. Your identity stays completely anonymous.
Chat on WhatsAppSources
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews