Leicestershire care home owner appeals against closure

29 Jan 2009

Steve Clarke, owner of Acorn Lodge Residential Home in Harborough, has appealed against a court’s decision to close the home down.

The home was closed in December 2008 after the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) obtained a court order from Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

CSCI inspectors gave the home a damning report and two members of staff were arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment and neglect.

Mr Clarke claims that authorities acted “disproportionately” and has lodged an official appeal against the decision.

The CSCI inspected the home in September and gave it a one star “adequate” rating. They ordered a number of changes, including extra staff cover and better training.

The CSCI returned to the home in November and found that standards had in fact got worse. They reported that areas of the home were dirty, staff were not properly trained and records were not being kept properly.

Two members of staff were arrested on suspicion of ill treatment and wilful neglect. Since the court order was issued, all residents have been moved out.

Joanne Ashley, a medical law expert at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, said: “It is disturbing to read that in a place where vulnerable adults should feel protected, that standards could deteriorate to such a shocking level. The seriousness of this issue is echoed by the urgent steps taken by both CSCI and Leicestershire Police, and demonstrates that poor practices in care and residential homes will not be tolerated”.

back