THE Isle of Wight Council, which uses care homes to place the elderly, was quick to reassure families of loved ones care provision standards will be met at Blackwater Mill.

Blackwater Mill Residential Home, near Newport, received the lowest rating of any such establishment on the Island, of which there are currently 61. 

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a damning report on the level of care provided by Blackwater Mill, following an inspection earlier this year.

Two weeks ago, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its damning findings following an inspection made at Blackwater Mill earlier this year. Click here to read.

Failings reported by the CQC has led to the home being put in special measures.

Since then, the County Press has been speaking to those affected, from relatives of residents, to former staff members, in a special investigation.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "The Isle of Wight Council was made aware by the CQC of the findings of its inspection, which took place in March.

"Since that time, the management and staff at Blackwater Mill have been working with the council, to ensure the needs of the people who live at Blackwater Mill continue to be met and, that they remain safe and well cared for.

"The council continues to work with the Blackwater Mill team and to support their improvement journey.

"We are also aware that the management of Blackwater Mill have asked the CQC to re-visit, so the improvements that have been made, can be seen."

Debbie Andre, meanwhile, was invited to comment to the County Press, in her role as the Isle of Wight Council's Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, on the CQC's findings on Blackwater Mill, but she declined the opportunity, saying she didn't feel it was appropriate to comment on an individual provider.