A TROUBLED care home says it "deeply regrets recent events" which have led to it being temporarily shut down amid 16 separate allegations of neglect and the death of a pensioner.
Government watchdog the Care Quality Commission announced on Thursday that it had taken urgent legal action against Spring Lane Residential Home in Lambley after "unacceptable failings" were found following an unannounced inspection.
Police revealed they are also investigating the death of 87-year-old pensioner who died on August 10 and the safeguarding team at Notts County Council said they were investigating 16 separate cases of alleged neglect. No arrests have been made.
Legal action taken on Tuesday by the Care Quality Commission saw the care home de-registered and residents have been moved elsewhere.
Distraught daughter Christine Clark of Cavendish Road, Carlton, visited her late mother at the home when she was a resident there in August 2010.
She said she was appalled by what she saw there.
She said: "We repeatedly asked the home to change her commode and her bedding as it had faeces on it.
"We also asked them to shower her but they did not.
"In the end I had to bring her to my home and shower her."
Mrs Clark's mother, who she didn't want to name, was taken out of the home after just four weeks at the request of her family. She eventually died at the age of 81 of bowel cancer in October 2011.
John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, said there had been "serious allegations" at the home since June 2011 and criticised Notts County Council for not acting on this information quickly enough.
But Kevin Rostance, chair of adult social care for the county council, told the Post those comments were "unfair".
He said: "We suspended our contract with Spring Lane Care Home in mid August when we were alerted to serious concerns.
"The comments made by Mr Clarke about the county council's lack of action at Spring Lane Care Home were unfair.
"Since then, our staff have been working proactively with the home to try and improve standards. This work includes monitoring visits and an action plan for the home to rectify any concerns.
"We always prefer to work with providers to improve standards initially rather than immediately moving people who may be frail.
"It is only the Care Quality Commission which has the power to close a care home and we have been working with the commission throughout this process."
A spokesman for the home said: "We deeply regret recent events at Spring Lane.
"At this time we are working closely with the local authority in the best interest of residents, ensuring that residents and their families are consulted on the way forward for their future care and support."
