A Burnham-On-Sea rest home which shut down last week had “serious failings in standards of care,” according to inspectors.
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) claims it first raised concerns about the quality of service provided by Beechwood House Rest Home, pictured, in early 2006.
The home was closed last week by its owner and the 27 elderly occupants have since moved into other accommodation.
A spokesman from the CSCI explained to Burnham-On-Sea.com on Thursday (January 3rd): “The CSCI first raised concerns about the quality of the service provided by Beechwood House in early 2006 with the provider and registered manager.”
“Since that time, regular inspections have been carried out. Mr Cowie was informed of what improvements he was required to make to comply with the Care Standards Act 2000 and improve the quality of care for people living at Beechwood.”
“After it became clear that these improvements were not forthcoming, in May 2007 the Commission served a notice of proposal to cancel the home’s registration (which would have the effect of closing the home). The owner appealed against this and the case is due to be heard by the Care Standards Tribunal, an independent body, in late January.”
“The owner has now taken the decision to close Beechwood House, even though the appeal is still pending. He has assisted Somerset County Council’s adult social care services with the relocation of the remaining residents to suitable care homes.”
“Residents and relatives have been kept informed over a period of time of the serious failings in standards of care at Beechwood House and the Commission’s concerns.”
“The decision to seek the closure of a care home is never taken lightly by the Commission and is usually the last resort after every effort has been made to get the owners to improve standards and comply with legal requirements. We know all too well the impact that closure can have on the people who live there, their families and their carers, as well as members of the staff.”
“The home remains registered pending the outcome of the Care Standard’s Tribunal’s decision.”
The owner said earlier this week that the home had closed for ‘personal reasons’.
