Residents forced to move 25 miles away as care home is shut over safety fears

Issues were raised at the Sister Dora Care Home in Milford, near Stafford, after a visit last week by Care Quality Commission inspectors who took the decision to remove the home's registration.

The 32 residents have been moved to homes as far away as Tamworth, Wednesfield and Burton upon Trent.

Relatives have been left shocked and angered by the news with claims some were informed just hours beforehand.

Staffordshire County Council stepped in to help families find alternative accommodation for the residents of the privately-run home, owned by Indigo Care Services, which employed 42 staff.

Indigo spokeswoman Caroline Walker said: "Both the regulator and our own internal audit processes identified a number of concerns within the home and we were working hard to address these.

"However, we regret that the Care Quality Commission has taken the decision to remove the home's registration.

"We understand this is a difficult time for residents, relatives and our staff and we are working closely with service users, their families and social services to ensure a smooth transition to new homes and to support staff to find alternative positions."

One unhappy relative, who did not want to be named, said she was informed at 4pm on Wednesday that her mother was being moved out yesterday morning.

"Some residents were taken out in the cold on Wednesday night and ambulances just keep coming," she said.

"The staff didn't even find out until that afternoon. All the residents had to be out by lunchtime yesterday."

She added: "The care staff at this home are absolutely outstanding, and are now all in tears."

Another said: "I've been on the phone all day trying to see if any of the homes nearby in Stafford can fit my father in. The idea of him being miles away is just ridiculous."

The CQC carried out their inspection home on November 23.

"As a result we have taken urgent action to protect the safety and welfare of people living there," a statement read.

"While our legal processes do not allow us to go in to further detail at this time, we will publish a report of our full findings in due course.

"Whenever we take such action, it is something we do not take lightly and only where we feel people are at risk of harm. All CQC's action is subject to appeal."

The Stafford and Surrounds CCG has been helping to find places for residents with nursing needs. Families have been told the move is temporary.

Alan White, the county council's cabinet member for health, said: "It has become apparent in recent days that there are serious concerns for the welfare of residents there.

"The safety and well-being of residents is our priority and we have all come to the conclusion that there is no alternative but to move them as quickly as possible from their current home.

"We appreciate this can be unsettling for residents and their families but we are working with them to keep them fully informed about what's happening and ensure continuity of care until everyone can make a fully supported move to another home."