A CRISIS-stricken care firm has been stripped of a large proportion of its clients after gross failings were uncovered.
This week Bucks County Council announced that vulnerable people looked after by Plan Care would have their care transferred to other providers – except in Aylesbury town.
A total of 81 people in the north of the Vale have either been transferred, or are in the process of being transferred, to eight alternative firms.
It follows revelations, uncovered by the Bucks Herald, over missed appointments and care concerns due to lack of staff.
But Plan Care – which was contracted by County Hall to look after vulnerable people in their own homes – will continue to look after 147 clients in Aylesbury.
The council says the situation will be under review for the next six months.
Councillor Patricia Birchley, who is responsible for adult social care, told the Herald: “Plan Care were unable to recruit sufficient staff.
“They have been working hard in Aylesbury, and have met their commitments there.
“But in north Bucks, people have had a bad experience, and we want to put it right.”
Mrs Birchley said reinstating Plan Care across the Vale was ‘one option’ at the end of the six months – but that the council would need to be convinced that huge improvements had been made.
She said staff had been working hard over the weekend to make sure clients were transferred to other firms, after a three-year contract was renegotiated by mutual consent.
All new cases – including those in Aylesbury – will not be referred to Plan Care.
The council has confirmed that any costs from the decision will be met by the firm.
Mrs Birchley, Conservative, has faced pressure after the revelations came to light.
She said: “Plan Care were appointed just as I came into the job, I’ve been taking a personal interest and whatever it takes I’ll personally do it to make sure older people receive the care they need.”
She said the move would give Plan Care the chance to address ‘serious issues’. Plan Care was appointed on a three-year contract last November.
The renegotiated contract will take immediate effect, Bucks County Council has confirmed.