But inspectors rule that the home still ‘requires improvement’ overall
14:35, 22 Dec 2025Updated 05:42, 12 Jan 2026
Wall Hill Care Home in Leek(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)
A North Staffordshire care home has been taken out of special measures after inspectors found “significant improvements” had been made. Wall Hill Care Home in Leek is no longer rated as ‘inadequate’ but the Care Quality Commission did rule that it ‘requires improvement’.
Back in the summer we reported that inspectors raised 11 safeguarding concerns on behalf of people living in the home as they were not assured the residents were being supported appropriately. The privately-run care home, which looks after older people and those with mental health conditions, disabilities and dementia, was rated inadequate and put into special measures to ensure residents were protected while improvements were made.
Inspectors returned to the Broad Street homes between October and November this year and found that progress had been made. A recently-published report by the watchdog states: “The provider had made significant improvements since the last inspection, including improvements to monitoring systems and the management of medicines. Safeguarding practices had also improved, particularly within areas such as incident monitoring and referrals.
“However, further improvements were needed when escalating concerns to healthcare professionals and ensuring care plans accurately reflected people’s current needs. Health and safety checks were in place, and the environment was well maintained with appropriate equipment available to support people. Staff worked well across teams and services, and there was evidence of improved coordination with external professionals.
“Staff consistently treated people with kindness, compassion and respect. Care was personalised, with staff recognising and responding to individual needs, preferences and interests. Staff responded promptly to people’s immediate needs, helping to reduce distress and discomfort. The provider promoted staff wellbeing.
“The provider delivered person-centred care. Meaningful activities were being actively promoted with a focus on people’s interests and wellbeing. Accessible information and dementia-friendly adaptations supported equity in experience. Leadership and governance had improved since the last inspection, with a stronger focus on person-centred care.
“While further development was needed in areas such as care planning, monitoring and internal communication, leaders demonstrated a commitment to learning and improvement. New systems and initiatives had been introduced, and staff described a more positive culture. The provider had made significant progress, and there was a clear direction towards continued improvement.”
The report added: “This service has been in Special Measures since 20 May 2025. The provider demonstrated improvements that have been made. The service is no longer rated as inadequate overall or in any of the key questions. Therefore, this service is no longer in Special Measures.
“The provider was previously in breach of 4 legal regulations: safe care and treatment, person-centred care, safeguarding people from abuse, and good governance. Improvements were found during this inspection, and the provider was no longer in breach of person-centred care and safeguarding people from abuse.
“However, not enough improvements were found in relation to safe care and treatment and governance. Therefore, the provider remained in breach of these 2 regulations. We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this inspection.”
Wall Hill Care Home has been approached for comment.
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