Newton Mearns care home ordered to close over safety fears

A care home has been ordered to shut after concerns were raised that residents were at a "significant risk'' of harm. Greenlaw Grove in Newton Mearns had its registration suspended from March 21 at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, after Care Inspectorate lawyers sought its urgent closure.

The body had ordered a number of urgent improvements to be made after a visit in August but concerns have continued. A statement later released by the Care Inspectorate said: "It is extremely rare for us to take action of this nature and we do so only when we must protect people from harm.

"We continue to work closely with colleagues at East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership to ensure that residents' needs are met and that appropriate plans are in place to ensure continuity of care for all residents of Greenlaw Grove ahead of March 21.

"We understand this will be a really worrying time for relatives and their families. Everyone in Scotland has the right to safe, compassionate care which meets their needs and respects their rights.

"Anyone with a concern about a care service is urged to contact us.''

The August report from the Care Inspectorate gave the care home "unsatisfactory'' ratings across the board.

Issues highlighted include staff numbers and training, care plans for residents as well as how medicine was kept and administered.

A spokeswoman for Greenlaw Grove said: "While we're obviously disappointed by this decision, we'll do everything we can to support our residents and their families during what will be a very difficult time.

"Our strong preference was for a longer timescale to allow a smoother transition to alternative accommodation for our residents and their families, who remain our number one concern.'