Hartlepool Council launches probe into care home

Hartlepool Council has launched an investigation into the running of a care home in the town for people with mental health needs.

The probe into Pangbourne Residential Care Home follows visits earlier this month to the privately-run home in Park Avenue by independent assessors and council social care staff.

This prompted the council to express serious concerns about the day-to-day running of the home and well-being of the residents who live there.

Nicola Bailey, the council’s director of adult and community services, said: “The large majority of people who reside at Pangbourne are funded by the council and we have a duty to ensure that they receive first class care.

“Regrettably, following visits to the home by independent assessors and members of our social care team, it is our view that the level of care provided falls well short of the standards we expect.

“We do have serious concerns and have placed our own manager and social care staff in the home while a full investigation is carried out. We expect the investigation to be concluded soon.”

Mrs Bailey said that the authority had notified the residents’ families of the situation and that they would be kept fully informed of developments.

The council has also notified Care Quality Commission, the regulatory body for care homes in England.