Care home with 'no permanent staff' to close

Neve Gordon-Farleigh - BBC News, Norfolk
·2-min read
The Grove
Leonard Cheshire, which runs The Grove, says there are currently 23 residents [Leonard Cheshire]

A care home for disabled adults is to close 10 months after it was rated inadequate by inspectors.

The Grove, in East Carleton, near Norwich, supports adults with physical disabilities and is run by the care provider firm, Leonard Cheshire.

While the closure is not immediate, the company said it currently had "no permanent nursing staff" with all shifts covered by agency workers.

Tim Weller, head of integrated quality service at Norfolk County Council, said: "Our officers are working with residents and their families to provide support to access suitable alternative care before the closure of the home."

The Grove was last inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in August 2023, when it was rated inadequate.

A spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: "Difficulties getting the right staff for leadership and nursing roles have ultimately proved insurmountable.

"Despite the charity's concerted efforts and some progress, we now believe we won't be able to sustain improvements long-term."

'Additional concerns'

The spokesperson added: "We've taken every possible step to address concerns raised by the care regulator following their last inspection of the service.

"This has included changing the management arrangements, putting in place additional clinical support and external expertise on site to assist the team there."

Mr Weller added: "We have been working closely alongside health partners to support Leonard Cheshire since 2021when quality concerns at The Grove were first identified.

"A decision was taken in June 2023 to fully restrict new Norfolk County Council admissions to the home.

"Over the last eighteen months additional concerns with leadership, risk management, care and welfare have been noted."

He said the management group had "struggled to satisfactorily" address the concerns.

While a date is yet to be confirmed for the closure, the group say they would "make sure" residents found a new home.

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