A CARE home described as having a “disregard for people’s humanity” and being unsafe has shut down after an inspection declared it as inadequate in every aspect.

The Northern Echo understands the last remaining resident at Admiral Court Care Home, in Cleveland Road, Hartlepool, moved out on June 5 after bosses gave 28 days notice of its closure. In all, 23 residents have been moved to alternative accommodation.

The facility was operated by Four Winds Care Limited, whose director and main shareholder is Hartlepool businessman Matt Matharu.

The 50-year-old was jailed for eight months in February this year after his “reckless disregard” for health and safety was blamed for the fatal fall of an elderly resident at another of his homes, Parkview, in Seaton Carew.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) had issued a series of warnings in respect of Admiral Court prior to the publication of its latest inspection findings which found serious concerns about the service provided.

As a result moves had been made to cancel the care home’s registration – effectively meaning it could no longer operate lawfully – although this had been appealed by its owners.

In its report the CQC said that

:: There were not sufficient numbers of suitably qualified, skilled and experienced staff and they failed to protect people from avoidable harm

:: Staff failed to ensure some residents had access to fresh water everyday

:: The manager failed to take action against staff who were found asleep on duty

:: Appropriate arrangements were not in place to manage medicines.

North-East MEP Jonathan Arnott said: “The appalling conditions at this home came to light through unannounced inspections and the scathing report now published.

“But that must not be the end of it. There needs to be a full inquiry into how this state of affairs has come about and, if appropriate, prosecutions brought.”

Debbie Westhead, CQC deputy chief inspector for adult social care in the North, said it had already used its urgent enforcement powers to restrict the people that could live at the home.

She added: “The registered provider subsequently confirmed to us that they were unable to provide the necessary care and support for people with mental health needs or complex nursing care needs and that they intended to close the home.

"We liaised closely with Hartlepool Borough Council and local NHS Commissioners to make sure that all of the residents were moved to new homes where their needs can be fully met.”

The Northern Echo called both the home directly and the registered address of Four Winds Care Limited, in Elwick Road, Hartlepool, but no response was received.