Closure appeal won by care home

A private care home in Northamptonshire threatened with closure after the death of two residents, has won an appeal against a health watchdog's ruling.

The Care Standards Tribunal ruled Active Care Partnership's Alton Centre care home in Knuston Spinney, could remain open.

The Commission for Social Care Inspections (CSCI) called for it to be closed after an inspection last month.

It was being temporarily run by the county council and primary care trust.

A CSCI spokesman said fears were raised regarding certain areas, including the sudden death of a resident in July and the subsequent death of a second patient at the home in August.

'Stringent conditions'

Inspectors sought a court order from magistrates and the care of the 28 residents was handed over to the local Northamptonshire Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Northamptonshire County Council until the outcome of the appeal hearing.

During the hearing, carers worked with and supervised the home's own staff in nursing the residents, who have physical disabilities.

An Alton Centre spokesman said: "Following the successful outcome of the appeal, which confirms the professional care we have always maintained is delivered by our staff at The Alton Centre, we can now continue to focus on the care delivery for our residents.

"The health and safety of our residents is our main priority and we take our responsibilities as a care provider very seriously and are always looking to improve standards where possible."

The CSCI said although the appeal had been won by the partnership stringent rules had been put in place, including extra care and nursing and specialist staff over the next six months.

Norwyn Cole, of CSCI, said: "We welcome the fact that the tribunal has imposed stringent conditions on the Active Care Partnership which are designed to safeguard this very vulnerable group of people."

He added that the commission would "closely monitor and inspect the home on a frequent basis."