Welsh care home concerns almost doubled in last year

Concerns raised about Welsh care and nursing homes have almost doubled during the past year, a Freedom of Information request by Plaid Cymru has revealed.

 

Figures from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales show that concerns rose from 741 in 2012/13 to 1,447 in the last financial year. There were 889 matters raised in 2011/12.

 

The highest number of concerns in 2013/14 were brought up in Swansea (184), 145 in Conwy and 126 in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

 

They vary from worries about neglect, quality of life, attitude and respect to physical and financial issues.

 

The response shows that the majority of complaints were made by professional staff (814), although 212 came from relatives and 277 concerns were raised by whistle-blowers.

 

The Freedom of Information request also reveals that 172 concerns had been raised with other agencies and 299 resulted in inspections.

 

Plaid Cymru’s Social Services Spokesperson Lindsay Whittle AM said: “It is important that concerns about the way Welsh care and nursing homes are run are investigated. People, whether residents, relatives or social services professions, must be prepared to report any worries they have. There may be nothing in them but on the other hand there could be serious incidents of mistreatment, something which has been highlighted at homes in England.”

 

“Inspectors play a vital role in accessing standards in homes. People in care or nursing homes must expect excellent care and to be treated with dignity,” added Ms Whittle.