A Harrogate care home that closed after a highly critical report by government inspectors has indicated it plans to reopen after refurbishment.
Mary Fisher House, on Cold Bath Road, was rated inadequate and put into special measures in April by health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission.
The CQC report, which followed an inspection in February, found evidence of rodent droppings in the kitchen, said some bedrooms smelled of urine, described medicines practices as unsafe and said there were insufficient staff to safely support people.
Residents were subsequently moved out of the four-storey home, which is run by private care provider Svivekcaregroup Care Group Limited.
The final residents left just over a week ago and the home closed.
But a statement by solicitors acting on behalf of Svivekcaregroup indicated the home, which caters for up to 24 residents, is likely to reopen.
The statement said the company was “naturally very disappointed with the CQC report”, adding:
“We have, however, used this as an opportunity to begin implementing a wide-ranging series of improvements and environmental upgrades at the home.
“Regrettably, the pace of the improvements was not as we had envisaged and we have therefore taken the difficult decision to close the home.
“This will enable a full refurbishment to take place and the new systems and processes in development to be completed.
“While we acknowledge and are sorry for the upset this will cause our residents and their families, we feel that this is the most responsible route to ensuring that we are able to deliver safe, good quality care in a welcoming and modern environment.”
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The Stray Ferret asked why the slow pace of the refurbishment had prompted the home’s closure and when it might reopen but we have not received a response.
After the home’s recent closure, Rachel Bowes, North Yorkshire County Council’s assistant director for care and support, said it had been “been working alongside NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group with the home’s owner to try to secure improvements”.
A CQC spokesperson, said it had “taken action to protect the safety and welfare of people living at the home” and its “legal processes do not allow us to go into further detail at this time”.
Playground in Ripon to finally reopen tomorrow after rat infestation
A children’s playground in Ripon that was closed in September due to a “huge” number of rats eating leftover food will finally reopen tomorrow.
Ripon City Council officials shut Quarry Moor playground last year amid public health concerns caused by the rodents.
It said it collected a minimum of eight rubbish bags a day, which was “a constant food supply” to the rats.
But with half-term underway, the playground is now free from rodents and safe for children to play in.
The council posted the good news on its Facebook page today. However, it asked visitors to take any litter home with them to deter the rats from returning.
“We are pleased to share the news that Quarry Moor playground will be open from tomorrow.
“May we politely request that you take your litter home with you to avoid issues with rodents. This will ensure the playground remains open. Thank you for your cooperation.”
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