Hollins Care Centre in Cimla, Neath Port Talbot, is set to close its doors after the local council terminated its contract with the home. Neath Port Talbot Council said it had become aware of concerns relating to the delivery of care, including insufficient staffing levels, poor hygiene and infection control, lack of dignity towards residents and medication management. The closure will affect almost 70 residents, who will be moved to alternative care homes, and 94 staff.
The owner of the privately-run care home, Ben Jenkins, has disputed the council’s findings claiming that the facility was “not perfect,” but that “this does not impact the delivery of the care that we and our staff offer at the home.” Care Inspectorate Wales found no concerns about care at the home in its last report two months ago. Ben Jenkins has warned that without the council contract, the centre will be forced to close its doors.
The closure has been met with sadness by residents and staff. Rita Riddell, 75 years old, who had lived at the home with her husband Brian for the past year, said, “We’ve got used to everyone and they’re like family. It’s like losing your family. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and I’ve been well looked after. All the carers are fantastic.” Senior carer Helen Davies said, “It’s really hard None of us want to go”.
Neath Port Talbot Council says that it regrets that “some residents and families felt hurried”, and that the “number of spaces available at alternative care homes were limited.” It added all families had been informed of the decision by telephone, which was then followed by a letter to all residents. The council commissioning placements at the home engages in regular reviews and information sharing to ensure standards are met to safeguard residents. As a last resort, when standards are not being met, the council takes action to safeguard residents according to a joint statement by Neath Port Talbot Council and Swansea Bay University Health Board.
The staff at the home are employed directly by Hollins Care Centre. Council said it had been in contact with the care home’s trade union representative, offering support and assistance for employment-related matters. GMB, the union which represents the care home’s staff, said it had met with its members and would support them throughout the process. Neath Port Talbot Council and Swansea Bay University Health Board are working to relocate residents over the coming weeks and months
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