By Conor Gogarty,Nicholas Thomas
Copyright walesonline
A care home at the centre of a police investigation has been barred from accepting new residents. Gwent Police announced its probe into the Arthur Jenkins home in Blaenavon, Torfaen , after a damning inspection raised “significant concerns over the quality of care and safety”. Torfaen council’s social services department has been supporting residents of the home – which is run by private firm Spectrum Healthcare – to transfer to other care homes. But some residents are choosing to stay despite the council saying there is no assurance it is providing a “safe service”. Councillor David Daniels, the cabinet member responsible for adult services, was questioned about the home during a council meeting. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter . He said a block on accepting new residents had been put in place by the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) watchdog after it visited the home in May. Mr Daniels added the police investigation was “in its early stages” having been launched after a follow-up CIW inspection in August which raised “significant” safety concerns. The home was given 28 days following that inspection to make improvements. “After that CIW will go back and it will be a decision for CIW, as the regulator, what steps are taken next,” said Mr Daniels. “We do not have the power to close a home as a council. “CIW does and if specific improvements are not made within a specified period options include extending the notice period or removing the service from the register.” He said all family members of residents have been contacted and provided with details of social workers and managers. “For those residents who chose to remain at Arthur Jenkins until the outcome of the next inspection we must respect their right to take an informed decision,” he added. If the home were to be removed from the register – meaning it would have to close – residents would need to move elsewhere. Mr Daniels said residents and their families have been informed their choices of alternative care homes may be reduced by waiting for the next inspection of Arthur Jenkins. He went on: “The council has a statutory duty to safeguard residents and is not currently assured Arthur Jenkins is a safe service.” But he said responsibility to make improvements “rests with the management of the home”. Spectrum Healthcare has said it intends to rectify all the issues raised by the inspections. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice .
