The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSIW) has decided to prosecute the owners of The Old Rectory Care Home in Gumfreston, for five alleged breaches of regulations. This follows investigations carried out following the death of two residents at the home last February. Eighty-four-year-old Nellie Walsh and 88-year-old Albert Thomas (known as Jack) both died following a fire. At an inquest last month in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire coroner Michael Howells recorded a verdict of accidental death in both cases, with smoke inhalation attributed as the root cause of death. After investigations, experts concluded that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a distribution box in the first floor airing cupboard. The Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSIW) conducted its investigation with Dyfed Powys Police, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Pembrokeshire County Council Public Protection Department. The CSIW has now decided to prosecute the care home owners, Keith and Rosemary Whittemore. "The CSIW has decided to prosecute the registered proprietor/managers of the home for five alleged breaches of the Care Homes (Wales) Regulations 2002," said a spokesman. "The case has not yet been heard and we are waiting for a hearing date."
