MSP John Pentland calls for inquiry in failing Wishaw care centre

THE constituency’s MSP John Pentland is pushing for a full Care Commission inquiry into the Ravens Court Care Centre – after being contacted by a number of constituents who experienced similar problems at the Wishaw home for the elderly.

Mr Pentland contacted the Wishaw Press earlier this week to say he will be pursuing a full investigation into the shamed care home after hearing at first-hand a number of similar stories from constituents who entrusted elderly relatives in Ravens Court’s care.

Residents contacted the MSP after reading the Wishaw Press front page story last week concerning the catalogue of failings at Ravens Court which were highlighted in the Social Care and Social Work Improvement organisation (SCSWIS) annual inspection report.

Mr Pentland wants to hear from families who feel they too received unsatisfactory quality of care at Ravens Court to add further backing to his calls for a full and independent inquiry.

He said: “Following last week’s story in the Wishaw Press, I have had many people visit me at my surgery with similar stories to that of Yvonne and her mother Agnes. There have been stories of clothes, jewellery and other items going missing. This would surely be too coincidental.

“ I’ve also had a lot of people tell me that speaking to staff at Ravens Court is difficult, with many being repeatedly told by staff that they are too busy to speak and requests for meetings falling on deaf ears plus staff showing a general disregard for patients and their friends and relatives.

“If there are any other families who have experienced the same at Ravens Court or have similar concerns about the centre, then I would like to hear from them so we can build up a case to take to the Care Commission to ask for a full inquiry.”

Mr Pentland considers care for the elderly and those affected by terminal illness a responsibility that everyone needs to share.

He continued: “People who need this type of care are those restricted by dementia and other life-limiting illnesses who cannot speak for themselves so have to rely on their families, friends and local politicians to stand up for them and take whatever actions are appropriate.”

“If this is happening here then we have to ask where else it could be happening. One issue like this is enough, but if this is widespread then we need to stop it.

“For these vulnerable people who cannot speak for themselves and depend on us, this is not the time for cutting the inspection budget.

“I will now be writing to the appropriate minister to ask to see the inspection budget fully reinstated.”