Police probe possible neglect amid 'concerns' at care home

POLICE are probing possible neglect at a care home that was taken over by new operators in December last year.

- TWM OWEN and CONOR GOGARTY

An inspection report had uncovered “significant concerns” with a followup identifying only “limited progress” in addressing them while there has been an order preventing further admissions to the home.

Social workers are also trying to find alternative homes for current residents at the Arthur Jenkins Care Home, Blaenavon, with Torfaen Borough Council stating it has “no assurance that is a safe service at this current time”.

However, some residents are choosing to stay, it has now emerged.

It said police were notified following a multi-agency response to the critical report issued by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) in May and the followup inspection in August that identified “further serious concerns” at the home run by private firm Spectrum Healthcare.

A council spokesman said: “As part of the multi-agency response to concerns raised by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regarding the quality of care at Arthur Jenkins Residential Home, Gwent Police were notified.

“In response, Gwent Police have launched an investigation to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed.”