Following the BBC investigation into alleged abuse at Partridge Care Home, Harlow MP Robert Halfon has sent three letters to the Health Minister, the CEO of Rushcliffe Care, and Essex County Council.

The BBC website states: "documents seen by BBC Essex show there were serious problems at the home before the police investigation... Former worker at the home Graham Flack said he had witnessed abuse and neglect of residents during his time there... [including] an incident where a certain member of staff was sitting on a resident..."

 It goes on to state: "BBC Essex has seen a report written after a surprise visit to the home by two managers in May 2011. They found that several staff were asleep while on duty, a serious disciplinary offence.

The managers found one resident lying on an unmade bed that was smeared with faeces. Another was found sitting on the floor and had soiled themselves.

Other residents were found wandering around on their own, yet more were found in bed fully clothed. The building was said to have smelt of urine and one of the units had no lights on...

An internal audit carried out by staff at Partridge Care Centre in July found that most of the residents' rooms were dirty."


These latest allegations from the BBC are truly shocking, and make you weep to read them.

I first became aware of possible issues at the care home last year, after being approached by a local Harlow resident, Lesley Minchin, who was concerned about the treatment of her elderly mother.

Since that time, there have been four difficult reports from the Care Quality Commission: the latest in November 2011 still has major criticisms of how the home is being run. Now we have the BBC investigation into internal reports and emails from the care home.

For that reason, today I have taken the following actions:

First, I have written to the CEO of Rushcliffe Care, urging him strongly to be open and transparent about what has gone wrong, and inviting him to come to Harlow to a public meeting for patients, residents, and their families and friends.

It is important that the company in charge - Rushcliffe Care - now answers the serious criticisms of the CQC, and the BBC.

Harlow people will want to hear what is being done, to ensure that this never happens again. I have also urged that all internal reports and emails be published on the Rushcliffe Care website.

Second, I have also written today to the Health Minister, urging a Government enquiry with the CQC.

Third, I have contacted Essex County Council, urging them to take immediate action, in conjunction with the CQC and the Government. They must use whatever legal means are necessary to find out what has been going on, and to ensure that the standards of care in Harlow are second to none.

 I should add that I have been to Partridge Care Home myself, last year, and seen the work of some excellent staff and met with some residents. Not everything that has happened there has been bad: many of the staff are dedicated and hardworking. However, the BBC and CQC have clearly brought up shocking allegations, which need to be dealt with straight away, and not swept under the carpet."


1) Latest BBC report into Partridge Care Home: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-16446643

 2) The CQC's four reports into standards at Partridge Care Home: http://www.cqc.org.uk/directory/1-124708272
 
3) Robert Halfon's first statement (2011): http://roberthalfon.blogspot.com/2011/08/statement-on-partridge-court.html
 
4) Robert Halfon's second statement (2011): http://roberthalfon.blogspot.com/2011/08/second-statement-on-partridge-court.html
 
5) Robert Halfon's statement to ITV News (2011): http://roberthalfon.blogspot.com/2011/08/statement-on-itv-news-partridge-court.html


Posted By Blogger to Rob's Blog at 1/09/2012 05:07:00 PM