Marine Court Psychiatric Unit, on Marine Road, was visited by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) in October/November 2025, with a report published thereafter.
The service caters for up to 23 individuals, providing care for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.
Care Inspectorate Wales said residents were “not living in accommodation that supports their well-being outcomes” and that its leadership, management and environment require “significant improvement”.
CIW also labelled the unit’s governance arrangements “poor”.
Its report stated that resident and relative meetings had “not been held for over a year”, with relatives having little involvement in the service’s improvement.
The accommodation provided was “not homely or fit for purpose as there is drab and dim lighting throughout the home”, with “high levels of moisture and damp seen throughout the building at all levels”.
Some areas were “not accessible to people due to health and safety concerns”, and the responsible individual at the time “had not considered how poor-quality accommodation can negatively impact people’s mental health or prevent people from achieving positive well-being outcomes”.
Repair works to the roof of the premises were “completed to a poor standard”, causing “internal structural issues from leaking water such as warped and discoloured ceilings and walls which require replacing”.
Most areas in the home “require redecoration and improved maintenance”, despite “significant environmental issues” being identified for more than a year by management.
CIW said one resident had told them: “I have asked the owner for a new carpet, but he told me there was no point in me getting a new one.”
Another person was forced to move from one room due to a significant leak in their room during bad weather, and CIW noted a “lack of commitment” by the provider to make necessary changes to the building as the responsible individual “informed them he was reluctant to invest further in the environment”.
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The psychiatric unit was issued four Priority Action Notices, which are as follows:
- People’s dignity, comfort, safety and well-being is not being promoted and at risk due to living in an environment that is not suitably maintained
- People’s well-being is at risk because the service provider does not have an understanding of the current health and safety risks at the service nor any plans to address them
- People’s outcomes are at risk of not being met because there is a lack of proper oversight of the management, quality, safety and effectiveness of the service by the responsible individual
- People live in a service lacking a positive and compassionate culture. This places their well-being outcomes at significant risk or means their well-being outcomes are not met at all
A summary of the CIW report said: “Marine Court Psychiatric Unit provides support for people with functional mental health needs and can support up to 23 people at one time.
“It is in Colwyn Bay and located within walking distance to Colwyn Bay beach, local amenities and local transport links.
“People’s well-being requires improvement as they are not living in accommodation that supports their well-being outcomes.
“Care and support is good as people are supported by a dedicated team of staff, and people receive the appropriate care and support provided to maintain their well-being outcomes as much as possible.
“The environment requires significant improvement as it is not suitably maintained which is placing people’s dignity, safety and well-being at risk.
“Leadership and management requires significant improvement because the Responsible Individual (RI) has not ensured effective organisational arrangements, governance and oversight to ensure smooth operations and high-quality care.
“Governance arrangements are poor.”
Marine Court said the unit was sold last week amid the retirement of the former owner William Sumner, with an “action plan in place for a whole refurbishment”.
A spokesperson for the service said: “The home has now been taken over by GPs and a psychiatrist who have an action plan in place for a whole refurbishment.
“Marine Court has always had an excellent reputation; it is the building that is worn and tried.
“The manager will remain the same as well as the team as they are all long standing staff and have excellent insight into residents’ care.
“The manager and the team are happy with the new ownership so improvements can be made.”