‘Questions’ about care firm
COUNCILLOR SPEAKS OUT AFTER HOME CLOSURE
A COUNCILLOR has said the closure of The Limes care home raises serious questions about the firm which runs it – after it emerged four of its other homes have also been criticised by health watchdogs.
People living at the home in Derby Road, Hinckley, are being moved out after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) stepped in and took “urgent enforcement action” to protect them.
The home’s owner, Leicestershire County Care Ltd, told the Mercury residents will be moved to one of its other homes “where possible”.
Of the 12 homes run by the firm, five have ratings of “inadequate” or “requires improvement” after inspections by the CQC.
The Limes was placed in special measures this year after staff whistleblowing prompted the CQC to visit.
Liberal Democrat county councillor for Hinckley, Michael Mullaney, said: “It’s clear the owners of The Limes have fallen well short of the standards that residents and their families deserve and expect.
“It therefore seems right the enforcement action has been taken for the welfare of the residents.
“However, this raises questions about the owner of the homes, Leicestershire County Care, which owns other care homes in the county.
“It’s worrying that elderly and frail people are being moved between care homes at any time but it’s especially worrying during the pandemic.
“I hope every measure can be taken to ensure the residents are moved as safely as possible. It’s a tragedy we have ended in this situation.”
Leicestershire County Council said of the 22 residents, 18 are council-funded.
A spokesman for the authority said: “We are working closely with the residents of The Limes and their relatives to arrange suitable, alternative care homes.”
A spokesman for Leicestershire County Care said: “The Care Quality Commission has issued an urgent Notice of Decision to remove The Limes as a location where a regulated activity can be carried on from.
“We understand this will be an upsetting time for residents, their families and staff, and our priority remains making sure everyone is kept safe.
“Over the coming weeks we are committed to working closely with Leicestershire County Council, the CQC, as well as families and their loved ones, to ensure a smooth transition.
“Where possible, we will seek to relocate staff and residents to other local homes in the group.”
The Mercury understands a report will be published by the CQC outlining the reasons behind the action.
A CQC spokesman said on Tuesday “urgent enforcement action” had been taken at the home but would not reveal the nature of this.
She said: “The CQC is taking action to protect the safety and welfare of people living at The Limes.
“While our legal processes do not allow us to go into further detail at this time, we are working closely with Leicestershire County Council with regard to ensuring people continue to receive the care they need.
“We will continue to monitor the situation regarding the care home very closely.”