Winterbourne View care home firm goes into administration

Castlebeck, the care home firm embroiled in the Winterbourne View scandal has gone into administration after failing to find a buyer for its remaining 16 facilities.

An exposé by undercover reporters working for BBC’s Panorama programme in 2011 showed residents with learning disabilities were humiliated and mistreated by care home staff – which led to swift action by ministers and care home regulators.

Administrators, Grant Thornton are seeking buyers for the 16 remaining care homes. During this process, both the accountancy firm and Castlebeck have pledged to ensure the ongoing care of patients and residents would remain a priority whether or not buyers are found.

Daniel Smith, partner at Grant Thornton, said: ‘A number of prospective purchasers have already shown their interest in acquiring Castlebeck operating units, which will continue to operate and trade normally while such sales are progressed and new owners for the operating units emerge.’

A joint statement issued by the Department of Health, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the NHS Commissioning Board said there are currently 166 people housed within Castlebeck facilities.

The statement said commissioners from the NHS and local authorities would work with administrators to ensure the continuity of care for individuals and he safe transfer of ownership of facilities

Sarah Pickup, president of ADASS said the joint statement speaks for itself. ‘The care of the current patients and residents of Castlebeck homes is our priority,’ Pickup said.

Winterbourne View itself closed last June with the transfer of 24 patients and the site has since been purchased by another provider which plans to reopen the homeas a neurological rehabilitation centre.

Last July South Gloucestershire Council dismissed two authority care managers in light of the documentary’s revelations.