Watchdog set to reveal findings of probe into home

INSPECTORS are poised to publish the results of an investigation into a crisis-plagued care home.

Summerfield House, which charges some residents £1,100 a week, has been given the second lowest “requires improvement” rating in five consecutive inspections.

In its latest report, published in November, regulator the Care Quality Commission said the home in Halifax, West Yorkshire, was not always safe, effective, responsive or well-led, but was caring.

The facility, run by Bondcare, is believed to receive around £130,000 a month from the local council, which places residents there.

In June last year, mute grandmotherof-three Yvonne Williamson, 82, was evicted despite pleas for clemency from Calderdale Social Services, specialists, the NHS, which funded her care, and her three children.

And last week we revealed how a 37-year-old former carer at the home, arrested on suspicion of neglect, had been given a conditional caution by West Yorkshire Police.

It followed the emergence of a video that appeared to show a woman resident being flung forcibly into a chair.

Summerfield House provides nursing and personal care for up to 107 people and some have dementia.

At the time, the CQC said it was powerless to prevent her eviction, stressing it could not intervene in decisions where providers issued a so-called “notice to quit”. Cath Gormally, director for adult services and wellbeing at Calderdale Council, said: “The safety and wellbeing of residents remains our priority. We continue to visit the home regularly, sometimes unannounced, with our partner agencies.

“This includes checking on the welfare of all residents as part of our commitment to safeguarding.”

CQC chiefs acted after concerns were raised in the Daily Express.

The regulator said: “We have recently undertaken an inspection of Summerfield House and continue to monitor the care provided at the home. “We will publish a report shortly.” A spokesman for the home said: “Our primary concern is the wellbeing of our residents.

“We recognise we have much to do and continue to work closely with the local authority and CQC to implement the action plan.

“We have made an important new appointment and are very pleased an experienced care manager, with a track record of service turnaround, has joined us to address the areas of concern with urgency.

“While we are pleased the CQC recognised, among our shortcomings, some areas of significant improvement, we expect to see the widespread improvements required in the coming weeks.

“In the meantime, we value the support of the CQC as we improve our service.”