Tribunal overturnshome ruling

A registered homes tribunal has overturned a deregistration
verdict against a private care home, after it ruled that
Hertfordshire social services inspectors had failed to submit
sufficient evidence.

Woodfield Lodge home, owned by the company of the same name, was
deregistered by magistrates on 25 July 1995.

Inspectors had applied for closure on the basis of an inspection
on 19 July uncovering hygiene deficiencies and inadequate staff
cover. Eight statutory notices had been served on the home in
1993.

Woodfield Lodge, however, challenged the accuracy of the
inspectors’ reports.

The tribunal said it was ‘most concerned’ at what the evidence
showed, but ruled that it fell short of that required for closure,
as it had not shown a sufficiently serious risk to the health and
safety of residents.