Care home to close over 'serious concerns'

A resident died following a fall at Howlish Hall in 2024

A care home which failed to heed fall prevention advice is closing after an inspection found more concerns.

Residents have left Howlish Hall in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) uncovered "serious concerns" during a visit last month.

A spokesperson said the watchdog was also considering if it needed to take further action against providers Williams and Spenceley Limited.

Durham County Council confirmed all 25 residents had moved out on Friday.

Previously, an inquest found a resident died because of a fall she suffered in her room at the care home in 2024.

Assistant coroner for County Durham and Darlington Rebecca Sutton said Patricia Heaviside fell a number of times while living at the facility, but measures were not taken despite repeated advice.

The coroner also said there had been "reluctance" among senior members of staff to pay for prevention equipment, such as a sensory mat.

'Urgent action'

The CQC carried out an inspection in early July in response to concerns about Howlish Hall.

A CQC spokesperson said it worked with the council and the provider to make immediate improvements to "keep people safe" due to the "serious nature" of its findings.

However, the watchdog said it continued to receive "additional information of concern" and took "urgent action" by imposing conditions.

"The provider has the right to appeal and further information will be published by CQC when we are able to do so," the spokesperson said.

"It's always a last resort for CQC to take action which may result in a service that people call home closing, as we understand the distress and upset this can cause.

"However, people using services should receive safe, effective and high-quality care that meets their needs."

Durham County Council confirmed it had received a formal notice from the owner stating their decision to close the care home.

Neil Jarvis, the council's deputy director of local delivery and head of integrated commissioning, said: "Our staff have since been on site working with the home, CQC and families to move residents to suitable new accommodation.

"We will continue to provide support as residents settle into their new environments."