Council residents move from 'inadequate' care home

Care Quality Commission inspectors visited the home in Gawber in November

Council-funded residents have been moved out of a care home in Barnsley which was rated "inadequate" and placed into special measures following an inspection in November.

Barnsley Council said it had moved residents away from Orchard Views Care Home in Gawber after Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors found issues with the management of medicines, risk assessments and care planning at the home.

Following the inspection, the CQC ordered "rapid and widespread improvements" to address the breaches of regulations.

Orchard Views Care Home said it accepted the CQC's conclusions and offered an "unreserved apology" for care and leadership standards which "fell below what the residents deserved".

'Smooth transitions'

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Councillor Jo Newing, Barnsley Council's cabinet spokesperson for health and adult social care, confirmed that the authority had terminated its contract with Orchard Views in December as it was felt that was the best way to protect residents.

"We're committed to making sure residents can access high quality, people-centred care when they need it, creating a sustainable care market that meets the needs of our communities," Newing said.

"We worked with Orchard Views to safely relocate residents whose care we help to fund before Christmas and help them settle into new surroundings.

"Our social workers have been working hard to make these transitions as smooth as possible, ensuring those affected continue to receive the right care and support," she added.

After the CQC inspectors' findings were published, a spokesperson for Orchard Views Care Home said it was "already rebuilding trust with residents and their families by demonstrating significant improvements in our care and leadership".

"We are fully committed to delivering high quality, person-centred care and rebuilding a service that our community can have confidence in," they added.

"Our entire staff team remains committed to working closely with the CQC to ensure rapid and sustained progress."

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