Third Shropshire care home is forced to close

Shropshire Council has today announced it has cancelled its contract with Gadlas Hall Nursing Home in Dudleston Heath, near Ellesmere.

The council said in recent weeks the home has experienced serious financial problems and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued notice to cancel the registration of the home – making it illegal to operate.

The care home was found to be "inadequate" following a CQC inspection last year.

"We have, over the last six months, through the provider and via the safeguarding route, addressed concerns raised, but it has not been possible to reach a satisfactory position.

"In recent weeks the home has also experienced serious financial problems and the Care Quality Commission has issued notice to cancel the registration of the home, in essence making it illegal to operate.

The report said people's care, support and treatment needs were not being met.

The news comes after Legrand Nursing Home in Tilstock, near Whitchurch, announced in May it would close, leaving 39 employees out of work after financial struggles and recruitment issues.

Prior to that, Westlands Care Home in Wem was closed by managers at Coverage Care Services in March after it lost £25,000 a year for the last five years.

Earlier this year Jeanette Michelle Roberts, former manager of Gadlas care home, was struck off the nursing register after failing to get prompt treatment for a wound which left a resident's big toe gangrenous.

Meanwhile, two other care homes in north Shropshire – Elmhurst Nursing Home in Prees and River Meadows Nursing Home in Edgebolton, Shawbury – have both told this year they require improvement.

John Dodson, who is a member of Wem, Whitchurch & District Senior Citizens Forum, said: "It's totally unacceptable what's happening.

"Whatever the politicians or the executives at Shropshire Council say, enough money needs to be provided to sustain sufficient places in care homes for respite and long-term care."