Inadequate Sheffield care home to shut

Warren Park Care Home in Chapeltown was twice rated ‘inadequate’ – the lowest score – by inspectors from government watchdog the Care Quality Commission.

The most recent report in July criticised staffing levels, training and supervision at the home on White Lane.

A new management team brought in to tackle the shortcomings plans to close the home for refurbishment before re-opening next spring as a residential home, which will no longer provide specialist nursing care.

Nick Farmer, operations director at Astonbrook Care Homes, which manages Warren Park, said the temporary closure was proposed following an ‘in-depth review’ and discussions with the CQC and commissioners from the local authority.

“It has been a difficult decision but we believe it is in the best interests of all our stakeholders, particularly those in our care, that we move quickly to close the home for a short period,” he said.

“This will enable us to reconfigure and refurbish the buildings to reflect the quality and standards of residential care we want to offer our future residents.”

A spokesman for Astonbrook said the national shortage of trained nursing staff had played a part in the decision.

The transfer of patients is already under way, with 13 still at the 60-room home.

Astonbrook said it was consulting with 28 staff at Warren Park, who it hoped would accept temporary posts at the group’s other homes in the area during the closure, before returning.

A Sheffield Council spokesman said: “There are around 3,800 care home beds across the city and around 170 are vacant at any one time. The council doesn’t run any care homes but we can help people to choose a care home for a loved one.”

He added the council also funds more than 21,000 hours of home support each week.