Review Highlights Major Concerns

An expert at Irwin Mitchell has called for lessons to be learnt after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) revealed its serious concerns over standards of care services operated by Castlebeck.

The organisation has revealed that its investigation into facilities run by the company revealed that four services were of a major concern, while another seven failed to meet one of more essential safety standards.

In addition, of the 23 services reviewed, just 12 were found to be fully compliant with the necessary standards.

Among the problems found at sites included a lack of training, poor staffing levels, a failure to notify authorities on safeguarding issues and also to involve residents and their families in decisions about care.

Commenting on the CQC findings, Jonathan Peacock, a medical law specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office who acted for the families of those affected by neglect and abuse at the notorious Maypole care home in Birmingham, said: “It is unacceptable that further problems have been seen in Castlebeck-run sites so soon after the allegations emerged in relation to Winterbourne View.

“Neglect and abuse in care homes has a devastating impact on some of the most vulnerable members of society, leaving them with physical and psychological trauma that they often never recover from.

“A clear response is needed in light of these findings and we would urge Castlebeck to ensure that the review now being undertaken into its services provides clear answers as to how and why care failings were allowed to happen.

“Lessons must be learnt if any improvement in standards is to be seen at the homes implicated in this report. Care home residents and their loved ones deserve to know that their welfare is a fundamental priority for those responsible for looking after them, and it is vital that every effort is made to ensure the same mistakes seen in these cases are not made in the future.”