Nine care workers suspended from learning disabilities home in Swansea

Nine members of staff have been suspended from a private care home in the Swansea area after serious concerns were raised about the safety of residents, BBC Wales reports.

It is undertsood a multi-agency safeguarding investigation was launched after a former employee raised concerns about residents at Gower Lodge in Gowerton, north-west of the city.

The care home provides intensive support service for people with highly challenging learning disabilities and complex needs and is run by Tracscare.

The Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW) confirmed all 12 residents were moved out after an inspection on August 12 highlighted concerns that building work there ‘did not provide a safe environment’ for them.

In a statement, a spokesman for Tracscare, said: “As soon as concerns were brought to our attention about staff members not meeting the high standards we expect, we acted promptly to notify all appropriate authorities and to commence a thorough investigation.

“As a precautionary measure, and in line with our zero-tolerance approach, we have suspended nine members of staff as we support the investigation.”

The company said the decision to relocate the residents to other accommodation was taken separately because of ongoing refurbishment at the property, but confirmed it had been agreed with CSSIW.

A Swansea Council spokesman said: “Gower Lodge Care Home is a privately run home run by Tracscare.

“Safeguarding vulnerable adults is the council’s first priority. When the allegations were raised by Tracscare with us and CSSIW we took immediate steps to safeguard the vulnerable adults involved. As South Wales Police is now looking into the matter it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

South Wales Police confirmed it was looking into the situation at Gower Lodge to establish if there had been any criminality.