Public inquiry urged after review into ‘Britain’s worst care home’

The review was launched following an inquest last year which found serious failings at the now-defunct Orchid View in Copthorne, West Sussex.

The multimillion-pound home was said to have had a “five-star” feel when it opened in September, 2009, which “seduced” 
families into believing it was well run.

But residents were left soiled and unattended owing to staff shortages, while in a single 
night shift staff made 28 drug errors.

It was shut down in late 2011.

Bereaved relatives have called on the Government to usher in “dramatic changes” to improve care standards.

West Sussex coroner Penelope Schofield heavily criticised the quality of care at the Southern Cross-run home and identified failings including poor nutrition and hydration, mismanagement of medication and a lack of 
staff.

Call bells were often not answered for long periods or could not be reached, and the home was deemed “an accident waiting to happen”.

Yesterday, the review’s independent chairman, Nick Georgiou, said a public inquiry into the national care industry could have “merit”. “As the role of independent sector care businesses has grown, the number, frailty and vulnerability of people dependent on their care has increased,” he said.

“It is critically important that these services demonstrate that they can provide the quality of care necessary.

“In this case the service provider failed. A number of these recommendations are intended to promote strengthened scrutiny of organisations, and the services they provide.”