Probe launched into quality of life in Gwent care homes in wake of Prana Das case collapse

A PROBE is being launched today to find out what it is like to live in the nation’s care homes. The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Sarah Rochira is to gather evidence on the quality of life of older people living in care homes in Wales.

Her intervention comes in the wake of the collapse of the case against Dr Prana Das ÐÊa care home director who had faced a string of charges relating to neglect and fraud at six Gwent care homes run by Puretruce Health Care Limited.

Charges against him resulting from the seven-year Operation Jasmine investigation are lying on file after he was left brain damaged by an attack, and there have been calls for an inquiry into the affair.

This review will take a broader look at the issue of older people’s care, taking evidence from residents, their families and carers, as well as from councils, health boards, inspectors and the care homes themselves.

The evidence will be used to highlight the best care and make recommendations for improvements.

Mrs Rochira said she is concerned that, although there is good practice in Wales, it is not consistent.

“Older people are not a group apart, they are our mums, our dads, our families, our friends, those we care for and love,” the commissioner said.

“All have a right to the very best care, but more than that, to the very best of lives.”

Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent, said: “Following on from the Dr Das case where so many older people were very badly let down, I am pleased the older peoples commissioner is grasping this nettle.

“Residents in the place they call home must be given the best possible support and protection in their later years.

“Our mams and dads deserve a good quality of life and a watching eye from us all to ensure they are properly looked after.”

Darren Millar AM, Tory Shadow Minister for Older People, said the move was a “welcome step to aspire to the highest standards for care home residents.”

Gwent Plaid AM Lindsay Whittle AM also welcomed the review, saying he had “serious concerns that sufficiently high standards are not always adhered to”.

Dr Das and his co-accused Paul Black did not go on trial after a beating left Dr Das brain damaged, despite a seven-year operation costing £11.6 million and involving 10,534 exhibits.

Edward Donovan, 51, of Windmill Square, Commercial Road, Newport, was given a 15-year prison sentence while Rhiannon Gibbons, 27, of Chepstow Road, Newport, was jailed for ten years.