Concerns raised over lack of information given to councillors over care home closures

Concerns have been raised about the lack of information given to councillors regarding the closure of two care homes in Wrexham amid claims some elderly people are being placed in facilities outside the county.

Residents were removed from Wrexham Care Centre in Llay towards the end of last month amid growing reservations raised by Wrexham Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board about their wellbeing.

Meanwhile, the owners of Meifod and Vicarage Care Home in Rhos announced it would be closing shortly after because of financial issues.

The leader of the Labour group on the local authority said she was previously told that if just one home in the county closed, it could lead to people being placed into care outside the area.

Cllr Dana Davies told members of the ruling independent and Conservative administration it was ‘wrong’ that councillors had not been told about the two closures beforehand.

Speaking at an executive board meeting held at Wrexham’s Guildhall last week, she said: “Recently, we’ve all been made aware through the press that we’ve had two nursing homes that have given us notice of closures.

“Because we haven’t got the capacity in residential care placements within Wrexham, we’re having to place them out of county.

“I’m conscious that no councillors have had an update on this situation and we’ve all got families within our wards that come to us for advice if they’re considering this type of service for their relatives.

“If we have to rely on the press as elected members to get our information, no disrespect to the press, but that is wrong.

“That information should come directly from this council and we should be informed.”

The opposition leader’s concerns about capacity have been echoed by Care Forum Wales, which represents more than 450 care homes.

Its chief executive issued a statement following the two closures in which she said she was ‘alarmed’ by the rate at which facilities are closing.

Mary Wimbury also warned of an impending crisis in the social care sector because of the ageing population in Wales.

In response to the comments made by Cllr Davies, council officers denied that adults were being forced to opt for care homes in other counties.

Charlotte Walton, chief officer for social care, said: “We’re not in a position where people are having to be placed outside of Wrexham.

“That’s not our plan and that’s not a reality for people, unless they choose a care home out of county and people always do.”

Council leader Mark Pritchard added that the authority took care home issues seriously and was willing to provide information wherever possible.

He said: “I will respond because I think I need to, and I take everything on board.

“Adults social care and children’s services are very important and the most vulnerable individuals within our community.

“We do take it seriously and I know the officers do, so I wouldn’t want you to paint a picture here that you’re hearing things second hand through the press.

“If you want to know anything as an elected member, speak to the officers and they’ll give you any information you want.”

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).