Rochdale Infirmary

Updated 9 May 2025

We completed a comprehensive routine assessment of medical care (including older people’s care) at Rochdale Infirmary between 8 and 24 July 2025. We conducted an unannounced inspection visit between 8 and 10 July and interviewed senior leaders on 24 July 2025. During our visit we inspected the clinical assessment unit (CAU), Oasis Unit (for medical care patients living with dementia), and the endoscopy unit. We rated the service as good.

The service had a positive safety-focussed culture. Safety incidents and complaints were managed well, and lessons learned. Staff were compliant with mandatory training. Staff quickly acted upon patients who were at risk of deterioration. The service provided treatment based on national guidance and evidence-based practice. Care was planned and organised with people and stakeholders to maintain safety and continuity of care. The service-controlled infection risks well. Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness. Leaders had the skills and experience to carry out their roles but did not always have resources to manage the priorities the service faced.

However, although staffing levels generally met establishments, we saw they were not always in line with peak activity and not always sufficient to meet the needs of patients.

Updated 9 May 2025

Many patients told us staff treated them with kindness, compassion and dignity. They said they could raise concerns, were aware of their treatment plan and felt involved in their treatment. They felt the environment was clean, met their needs, and that equipment was available for staff. Patients said they had consented to their treatment, and staff explained this to them in a way they could understand. They felt they were treated as individuals and protected characteristics were taken into consideration.

However, some patients who had been transferred to Rochdale Infirmary from another of the trust’s hospitals told us they did not understand why they had been transferred.