A care home in Kirklees has been shut down amid claims of “institutional abuse.”
Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) raised “significant concerns” over care standards at Oxford Grange in Oxford Road, Dewsbury.
A team of seven inspectors raised the alarm after a regular inspection, though there is no suggestion that any resident suffered physical abuse or harm.
The residential home, part of a chain of nine run by Mr Surinder Khurana, closed yesterday.
The 34 residents – many of them in tears – have been moved to other homes while the 37 staff have all been made redundant.
Mr Khurana, whose family firm has been in the care home business for 18 years, told the Examiner the closure came about after a regular inspection.
“There were seven inspectors here for a whole day and they are saying there was institutional abuse. That was the prime reason.
“What do they mean by that? I don’t know. They say the house was dirty and clients were not looked after.
“You can only make those statements if you talk to clients and staff. If there was some physical abuse or mistreatment I would be the first to hold my hands up and say I am guilty but we were not given time.”
Mr Khurana said the inspection was made after he had been taken ill following a mini-stroke.
The CQC made demands for an action plan while he was unwell. Mr Khurana added: “I was unconscious in hospital for three days. My wife told them this but they said it wasn’t their problem.
“They said we had to get consultants in, which we did. We hired consultants while I was still unconscious.”
Staff have taken to the internet to tell how residents and families have been left in “pain and tears” over the closure.
There were claims one resident was so distressed over being moved she had to be sedated.
Consultants were brought in to transfer residents and Kirklees Council has assisted with the closure.
Mr Khurana added: “My staff feel I did try my best. They feel very upset and want to take this up with the CQC.”
In a statement, Debbie Westhead, CQC’s deputy chief inspector of adult social care in the North, said: “We have significant concerns regarding standards of care at Oxford Grange and the home’s ability to meet people’s needs.
“We are considering the need for further enforcement action and will report on any action we do take in due course.
“We are working closely with the local authority, Kirklees Council, who are supporting the safe relocation of all residents to alternative, appropriate homes in the local area.”
A full report will be published later.
Oxford Grange is run by Northfields Care Homes Ltd, which has eight other care homes including Sunnyside, also in Oxford Road, Dewsbury, and West House in Quarry Road, Dewsbury.
Dewsbury Labour MP Paula Sheriff described the situation as “concerning” and said: “I am confident the council have taken every step and precaution necessary to minimise the disruption and stress that such an upheaval could cause.”
