Working at Holme Lea
Astley Road, Stalybridge, SK15 1RA
Operated by HC-One Limited
48 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
3.6/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 9 February 2026
Score: 3.6/10
Key Finding
"Staff feel supported in a positive culture with good training, but serious medicines safety issues and staffing shortages hold it back."
Safety & Risk
2/10
✕
The service was in breach of legal regulation in relation to the ways people’s medicines were managed safely. We also identified multiple concerns about the management of time-specific medicines... We raised a safeguarding alert regarding these issues.
Staff Culture
5/10
!
One staff member told us they all worked well together and supported each other. Staff generally felt they were treated fairly, supported, and encouraged in their roles.
Staffing Levels
3/10
✕
We received mixed feedback about staffing levels; a relative told us 'I notice that for long periods of time there are no carers around, I think there is a lack of staff.' Staff told us that management did not ask them about staffing levels, and they sometimes felt rushed and did not get enough time.
Training & Dev
4/10
!
Staff had completed a range of training, and most had completed a recent supervision... There was no evidence within the training matrix around training specific for conditions such as Parkinsons disease and Diabetes.
Management
3/10
✕
Due to periods of absence, the provider arranged management cover, which led to some inconsistency and gaps in oversight. Staff did not always feel listened to, particularly regarding concerns about staffing levels.
Programmes
4/10
!
People appeared to enjoy the activities available in the home, which included quizzes and some trips out. However, several people expressed that they would like more to do. There was only one activity worker covering all units, and this role was not covered during days off or holidays.
Points to consider
Medication safety has big problems like poor records for creams, thickeners, and time-sensitive drugs, which risks harm to residents.
We found significant concerns in how the service managed time-sensitive medicines... issues with the management of topical creams and record-keeping for the application of creams and thickening powders.
Not enough staff so carers feel rushed, residents wait long periods without help, and staff are not always visible.
I notice that for long periods there are no carers around. I think there is a lack of staff. Some residents fall down and [family member] helps them up.” Staff told us... they sometimes felt rushed and did not get enough time.
Manager absences cause inconsistent oversight and staff concerns about things like staffing are not always acted on.
Due to periods of absence, the provider arranged management cover, which led to some inconsistency and gaps in oversight. Staff did not always feel listened to when raising concerns about staffing levels.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: May 2023
Requires improvement
Safe
!
Requires improvement
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Requires improvement
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews