Nursing home closed amid inquiry

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7627249.stm

Version 0 of 1.

An investigation by police and social services is under way after 33 elderly people were moved out of a nursing home "for their own protection".

Rotherham Council has closed Highfield Nursing Home in North Anston, South Yorkshire, to all placements.

Most of the privately-run home's 33 residents have been moved to nearby Parkstone House nursing home.

The action was taken after medical staff contacted social services when a resident was admitted to hospital.

Rotherham councillor Darren Hughes, who represents the ward in which the nursing home lies, said doctors were concerned about the resident's physical condition.

There were also concerns about the management of the home and poor standards of maintenance throughout the building, which was sold by the council to a private owner about eight years ago.

'Unprecedented' action

The council investigation will examine "serious concerns over management and care standards".

South Yorkshire Police have confirmed they are investigating the home's management, including "potential neglect and financial aspects".

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), which only inspected the home a few weeks ago, is also involved in the inquiry.

Mr Hughes said: "It is almost unprecedented for all the residents of a home to be moved out for their own safety.

"Why was this not identified at an earlier stage?

"We need to ask why it is that the local authority has no way of measuring what the quality of care is in these privately-owned homes."

He said although Highfields had been temporarily closed it was hoped residents could move back once the investigation was completed as its licence to operate had not been withdrawn.