Published: Wednesday, 13th February, 2008 12:30
Police probe at care home
By Amanda Ramsden
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Police have launched an investigation after allegations that a 52-year-old woman 'physically and mentally abused care home residents’.
The woman, a member of staff at Westlea Care Home, quit her post after she was confronted by bosses at the care home over the alleged incidents which apparently involved elderly residents at the complex.
Police are now probing the claims and bosses at the privately owned care home have reported the allegations to governing bodies including the Care Commission and East Renfrewshire Council.
It is believed police were brought in by relatives of two eldderly residents at the care home last month.
This week a police spokesman confirmed: “We are investigating allegations of abuse against a number of residents at Westlea Care Home and our enquiries are continuing into this.”
Families of residents were called to a meeting at the care home where management spoke to them about the allegations,
One concerned relative told the Barrhead News:
“I am obviously extremely alarmed by the alleged incidents. We were called to a meeting to the care home last week and they explained to us how they have been dealing with recent events.
“You can understand why we are concerned about this.”
The Care Commission, the organisation that regulates and inspect Scottish care service, confirmed they are aware of the allegations.
A spokeswoman said: “We have been informed of a complaint against a member of staff at a nursing home. We are liaising with the service and the social work department on this matter.
“We are satisfied that the service has followed all the correct procedures following the complaint and that there is no cause for concern over the standard of care and welfare of residents.
“We understand police investigations are ongoing and it would therefore be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
Westlea Care Home provides accommodation for up to 55 older people over three floors. Opened in 2002, it is situated between Barrhead and Neilston at Donnies Brae.
A spokeswoman for Westlea Care Home responded: “We can confirm that a member of staff resigned after we approached her regarding allegations of professional misconduct.
“In line with current legislation the allegations have been reported to the Scottish Commission for Regulation of Care (Care Commission) East Renfrewshire Council Commissioning and Contract Management Team, Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) and all other area social work departments GP practices and multi disciplinary colleagues have also been advised.
“ Our commitment to protection of vulnerable adults (POVA) does not stop at the people in our care but extends to the wider community.
“All residents, families and relatives have been fully briefed on the situation and we thank them of their overwhelming support and understanding.”
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