News

Cardiff council has promised a shake-up of social care services after an admission that services have fallen below an acceptable level, writes Alex Dobson.

In recent months the council has been hit by a series of controversies and a joint review from the Audit Commission and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales due to be published in September is expected to be critical. The council's chief executive, Byron Davies, has called for a 'cultural transformation' in a letter sent to staff.

One of the controversies, which have dogged the council over the last two years, is the ongoing concern over the way that a residential home for older people, Hazelcroft in Cardiff, has been run. The council has always maintained that many of the problems at the home have been due to poor staff relations.

There have been hundreds of complaints made by staff against one another at the 37-bed home that is currently closed for refurbishment. But there have also been serious allegations about abuse of residents, and a report published last year accused staff of slapping and insulting residents.

In the latest development, the council has dismissed senior social worker Neil White allegedly for failing to sack a whistleblower.

Jan Painowski, who is regional officer for Wales for the British Union of Social Work Employees, says that White has been sacked because he would not discipline Beverley Bush; the worker who first blew the whistle on alleged abuse and poor care standards at the home. He says that White will continue to fight against his dismissal and may take his case to a tribunal.

A spokesperson for the council said that they had no comment to make on the case.

An internal report on the problems at Hazelcroft is expected shortly. The Social services Inspectorate for Wales will also report on arrangements between Hafod Housing Association, and the council, which jointly run a number of residential homes including Hazelcroft.