Anger as Pontypool care home to shut

A CARE home for dementia sufferers in Pontypool is closing, forcing the vulnerable residents to find alternative care.
St Dunstan’s care home in Griffithstown will be axed with all of the home’s 39 residents having to find new accommodation.

It has left some relatives fuming, with one family member of a resident who did not want to be named saying she was “disgusted with HC-One”, the owners of the home.

The care home specialises in looking after people with dementia and residents needing respite.

The home has 39 single, ensuite rooms as well as a bar and lounge area, a shop and a visiting hairdresser service.

The Free Press understands that the care home was at capacity.

The company said a formal closure date will be set for the end of October.

A HC-One spokesman said: “It was with much sadness that we took the difficult decision to announce the closure.”

This decision was not been taken lightly and we are sorry to all those who will be affected.

The company took over the home in November 2011 and said, despite improvements, it is clear the home does not allow them to provide the standard of care the residents deserve.

A spokesman said the building was comfortable and safe but the layout and envrionment of the home combined with the difficulty in attracting suitably qualified staff meant they took the “very difficult decision” to close it.

He added: “Our team is already working with residents, their families and Torfaen council to ensure residents are offered places at other care homes, minimising any disruption from this transition.

Torfaen’s cabinet member for health, social care, wellbeing and equalities, Richard Clark, said: “This is always a very worrying time for residents and their families and our focus is on safeguarding their wellbeing.

“As a commissioner of this service and in line with Welsh Government guidance, we are working closely with the home, health colleagues, clients and families to identify appropriate new care placements for the residents and to ensure a smooth transfer for these very vulnerable citizens over the next few months.”