Blackpool's Acorn Lodge Care Home has CQC rating downgraded to 'Requires Improvement' amid fire safety issues
Everything you need to know about the new CQC rating.
A Blackpool care home has had its Care Quality Commission rating downgraded from 'Good' to 'Requires Improvement' amid issues with fire safety.
Acorn Lodge Residential Care Home was subject to a CQC inspection between 17 April and 1 May 2026 which found that the home was in breach of legal regulations relating to governance, with inspectors identifying concerns over fire safety, environmental risks, care records and staff training.
The report, published on 17 June, said inspectors found "several concerns with fire safety and the safety of the environment". It also found incident records were not always fully reviewed to support learning, while care plans and risk assessments lacked sufficient detail to ensure risks were managed effectively. Audits had failed to identify many of the issues found during the inspection or ensure appropriate action had been taken to reduce risks.
Inspectors also identified incomplete employment histories for new staff, gaps in training and supervision, and care plans that did not always reflect people's changing health needs. Staff had not received training in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, while consent documentation and information about people's communication needs were also found to be lacking.
The CQC has requested an action plan from the provider, Pro Care Homes (Blackpool) Limited, outlining how the issues will be addressed.
Despite the shortcomings, inspectors found a number of positive aspects of the service. There were enough staff to meet people's needs safely, medicines were managed appropriately, safeguarding systems were effective and the home was clean and hygienic. Staff were praised for their compassionate approach and for working closely with health and social care partners to support residents.
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Residents also spoke positively about life at the home. One said: "I love it, I love the staff and people I live with," while another commented there was "nothing I don't like".
The manager was also praised for responding promptly when residents' health deteriorated and took immediate action during the inspection to address some concerns around incidents, recruitment, training, care plans and records.
Although the CQC found residents were generally happy with the care they received, it concluded that shortcomings in fire safety, governance and risk management meant the home no longer met the standards required for a 'Good' overall rating.
Acorn Lodge Residential Care Home was approached for comment