Council leader admits care home closure 'mistakes'

Residents were given just 24 hours' notice to leave Hazel Garth, in Knottingley,

A council leader has admitted "mistakes" were made in the way a care home was shut earlier this year, as a "damning" report on its closure is set to be published.

Vulnerable residents at Hazel Garth in Knottingley were given just 24 hours notice to leave when Wakefield Council temporarily shut the facility in May.

Council leader Denise Jeffery said the circumstances surrounding the evacuation were "absolutely appalling".

Mrs Jeffery, who said she had seen a draft version of the report, said the council would put its mistakes "right".

Senior councillors have promised to reopen the home and offer residents and staff the opportunity to return.

An independent report commissioned following the incident is due to be published later this month.

Council leader Denise Jeffery said the authority would put its mistakes "right"

Mrs Jeffery said: "We haven’t got the report in full yet but we have seen some of it in draft.

“It’s very damning about how residents were treated.

“It wasn’t a hospital ward that was being closed – it was their home. Six people were moved out of their home.

“It’s absolutely appalling."

“There is no hiding from it. The council has made mistakes and we shall have to put them right."

On Thursday the council announced a new portfolio specifically dedicated to adult social care and health will be created, with councillor Michelle Collins appointed to the role.

Maureen Cummings, who previously had responsibility for social care as part of a wide-ranging brief, will remain in the cabinet with a reshaped communities and poverty portfolio.

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