Terminally ill care turmoil as NHS suspends company

More than 30 people and their families, mainly in Rotherham and Sheffield, have been affected by the decision to suspend the services of care provider Abacus.

NHS officials are carrying out an investigation following allegations over patient safety and quality of care, believed to include claims staff have failed to attend home visits or cut them short.

Patients and their families were told only yesterday that the contract was being suspended.

Margaret Kitching, nurse director for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw cluster of primary care trusts, said: “An investigation is currently taking place into Abacus following a number of allegations.”

Ifatgar Ahmed, general manager for Abacus in South Yorkshire, said it had been surprised by the decision. “We’ve spent a lot of time on money on this and done everything they have asked of us,” he said.