Union calls on CQC to delay Kent care home closures

The GMB Union is calling on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to pull back on the decision to close two Orchard Care care homes in Broadstairs, Kent pending a full investigation.

The Woodlands and Fairfield Manor care homes have been told by the CQC to close immediately leaving fifty seven staff work at the two sites with uncertain futures.

The union also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the news, claiming the staff and residents haven’t received an explanation into the decision.

Andy Prendergast, GMB Senior Officer, said “The decision to close the homes without explanation is an insult to residents and staff of the two homes. These homes have been their life for residents for many years and they are completely in the dark as to why they are being closed. Residents and their families have been in tears not knowing what is going on or what will be happening in the future. Staff have been left not knowing if they will be able to pay next month’s rent.

“At the very least they deserve an explanation as to what has happened to justify this extreme step, particularly when the area is already facing a shortage of care spaces for older people.

“Previous CQC inspections stated that the homes offered a good standard of care.

“As the formal notice of closure has not yet been made on Woodlands, GMB is calling on the CQC to pull back from the closures pending a full investigation into the matter in order to establish the full facts before undertaking actions which appear to be excessive and extreme.”