Lib Dem Councillor demands action to improve 'unsatisfactory' care home

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th May 2008

Demands for immediate improvements to the Herbert Potter House Care Home have been made by Cllr Owen Jeffery (Lib Dem Spokesman for Community Care). He wants WBC to act at once to deal with a Home that has sadly been found wanting in two consecutive inspections by CSCI (the Commission for Social Care Inspection).

Cllr Jeffery has asked for a full briefing from the Head of Older People's Care. He has tabled a Question about homes being used by WBC for vulnerable and elderly people and about the assessment system the Council operates. He is insisting that an urgent inspection visit is arranged so that he can see for himself the problems that have been identified by CSCI. He wants to know what will be done and how long the Charity will take to carry out the essential improvements identified by the CSCI inspectors.

Cllr Jeffery stated:

'These reports are most distressing for family members to read and are deeply upsetting to Councillors. We all need to be properly and correctly assured - without delay - that everyone of our vulnerable and elderly residents who requires permanent or respite care is being properly cared for to the highest standards and in the best possible conditions. I am also seeking reassurance that other Homes are not experiencing similar problems. All Council services should be well run but those catering for the extremely vulnerable and elderly have got to be maintained at the highest possible standards that are then guaranteed by rigorous monitoring of their operations by this Council. I will not be letting this issue drop off the Council's radar.'