A FAILING nursing home in Bracknell has continued to fight against a government healthcare panel's attempts to close it down. 

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) issued a notice to cancel the registration of Birdsgrove Nursing Home in June 2015 following a series of inspections which raised concerns about the safety of the home's elderly residents, many of whom have dementia. 

Owners Aster Healthcare lost their appeal against the cancellation notice on April 1 this year, weeks after the home was rated 'inadequate' and placed into special measures by the CQC. 

However they are now taking their appeal up to a 1st Tier Tribunal. 

In a letter to residents and relatives sent on April 4, and seen by the Weekender, operational manager Raj Gokhool said: "We have decided to go for submission of representation as we strongly believe the proposal to cancel the registration of Birdsgrove Nursing Home is premature and not in the best interests of our residents."

He added: "Aster Healthcare Ltd would like to reassure all of you that we have no intention whatsoever to close down Birdsgrove Nursing Home as we have a duty of care to all the residents currently living at the home."

He repeated his reassurances when approached about the appeal and claimed there were "inaccuracies" in their latest CQC report.

Speaking to the Weekender, Mr Gokhool said: "We do not agree with the notice of cancellation because we believe that the home has moved forward, the residents at the home are safe, the relatives are really happy so we think it's justified to appeal the decision. 

"We disagree with the 'inadequate' rating, we do think there were factual inaccuracies. 

"We as an organisation have put a robust system in place to ensure the welfare of our residents."

The CQC is unable to comment during the appeal process.

Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health and housing said: "Council staff have liaised closely with the CQC, other commissioners and Birdsgrove managers throughout this period.   The welfare of every Bracknell Forest resident is under close scrutiny, and in addition to regular visits to residents, staff liaise closely with family members. 

"Our safeguarding team is meeting regularly with managers to ensure our concerns are dealt with, and to monitor progress on their action plan to improve on the quality of care given at the home. We maintain close contact with all relevant organisations.

 “We have been sharing as much information as we are able to with borough residents and their families, and have supported them to consider whether it is in their best interests to move from Birdsgrove, have supported all those who wished to move to do so. We are satisfied that the remaining residents are not at risk, and are respecting their decisions to stay.

“We fully appreciate the risks associated with moving vulnerable older people; it is essential that each individual’s circumstances are considered carefully and not rushed through. This will continue if the home is to close.”