Lancashire County Council has launched an investigation into a leading Lancaster care provider over patient care concerns raised by former employees.
The official probe comes after claims that service users of Heritage Homecare Services, which is based in Lancaster but covers the whole county, did not receive proper levels of care.
Heritage Homecare has refuted the claims, saying they are “unfounded”.
The company, which has its head office at Riverway House in Morecambe Road, provides home care visits to older adults, people with dementia, and palliative care to people in the Lancaster, Morecambe, Pendle, Rossendale, Rochdale and Chester areas.
Claims centred on staff not being allowed enough time to meet care requirements of patients, and impossible work schedules due to the geographical location of allocated patients.
In a statement released to the Guardian, Kay Randle, one of the company’s directors, said: “To support our own rigorous systems and procedures, we are continuing to work with the LCC safeguarding team and the Care Quality Commission to resolve these matters.
“We were not informed of any of these allegations at the time and we cannot comment further about individuals at this stage.
“We are shocked by these allegations and the way they have been made.
“We care passionately about delivering a great service and we are supported by experienced administration teams, qualified managers and support workers which enables us to deliver the highest possible standards.
“We aim to achieve these standards first time, every time.”
A spokesman for the county council confirmed that an investigation was ongoing into the standard of care provided by Heritage.
He said: “We have been made aware of concerns about the reliability and quality of some services provided by Heritage Homecare.
“Lancashire County Council is making enquiries and working with the Care Quality Commission and local NHS colleagues to ensure that people are safe and well supported.
“If you know someone who could be affected and have concerns about their welfare, you can contact LCC on 0300 123 6720.”