A RETIREMENT home in Altrincham is no longer in breach of regulations after its latest inspection - but it still 'requires improvement'.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) made a targeted inspection at Heathside Retirement Home on Barrington Road at the end of June.

It was in response to a breach of regulations found at a previous inspection in September 2020.

In September, the overall rating for the home went down from 'good' to 'requires improvement'.

Some of the issues highlighted in the inspection report related to the recording of incidents involving the residents and quality assurance.

This left the home in breach of regulations on 'good governance'.

The inspector who visited the home in June found improvements had been made to tackle the issues, meaning it was no longer in breach.

But the fact that the inspector made a targeted inspection rather than a full inspection meant that the home's overall rating did not change.

For this, the home will need to wait until its next full inspection.

The CQC's report said: "Risk assessments and guidance to manage these risks were in place and regularly reviewed.

"Staff explained people's support needs and these were consistent with the risk assessments and associated guidance.

"Relatives said communication with Heathside was good and they had been involved in reviewing relatives' support needs."

It said: "Staff knew how to report any incidents or accidents.

"These were recorded in the electronic care planning system.

"All incidents were reviewed by the senior partner or registered manager to ensure appropriate actions had been taken to reduce the risk of further incidents occurring.

The CQC's report also said improvements had been made in the writing of care plans and other records, as well in the giving of medicine.

Heathside's infection control measures were also inspected, and the inspector found the home was in line with almost all of the guidelines.

However, some staff were seen wearing face masks below their noses.

The inspector raised this with Heathside's senior partner, who said a reminder will be given to the home's staff on correct use of face masks.

The Messenger has asked Heathside for comment.