Home for people with mental health problems passes inspection, despite fears

A HOME for people with mental health problems has passed its latest inspection – despite residents' ongoing concerns.

As reported, the property in Grimsby Road, Humberston, was last summer converted into a home for people with a history of forensic mental health problems – including former offenders – by North East Lincolnshire care company Carmand.

INSPECTED: Amber House home for people with mental health problems in Grimsby Road, Humberston.

Nearby residents were concerned about the plan, and those worries were intensified by the fact that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – which regulates care standards – had previously found "serious failings" in the quality of care at another Carmand house in Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes.

However, despite residents' concerns, and claims that police had been called to the property, Amber House has been found to be compliant in the most recent inspection by the CQC, which took place in December.



A spokesman for the CQC said: "We are aware that neighbours are unhappy about the presence of the home, but there have been no complaints about the quality of care."

The spokesman also said that had there been any complaints since the last inspection, it would have investigated them.

Despite the furore surrounding the home before it opened, Carmand director Dr Carol Faniyi said neighbours had been "very polite" to the patients living there.

She said: "I understand that neighbours had anxieties before the women moved in, and admit that we could have allayed some of those fears by meeting with neighbours sooner.

"We have not had any problems from neighbours recently and I would like to commend them for how nice they have been to our residents.

"December's report from the CQC was perfect and proves just how committed we are to ensuring the highest of standards and are passionate about what we do.

"We deal with people who have very complex needs, so I know we are not everyone's cup of tea, but these people have to live somewhere and we will go above and beyond to provide a good home for them."

However, one local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he still remains concerned.

"It has been a lot quieter here than at the other two properties in Grimsby Road, from what I understand.

"However, we can't find out about their history of offences, if they have any, and that is what worries me," he said.

Another neighbour claimed that police were seen at the property in early February, but they would not tell them why they had been called.

"It's frustrating because we are being kept in the dark," she said.

Humberside Police said no log had been made of a call to the property so was unable to give details.