Police conclude investigation at Tweedbank care home

Ally McGilvray • Published 18 Jan 2012 09:30 0 Comments

A CARE worker has been sacked following an investigation into allegations of physical and verbal abuse at a care home for dementia sufferers in the Borders.

Police were called in following complaints at Craw Wood Care Home in Tweedbank.

And, last week, Eildon Housing Association, which runs the facility, confirmed five members of staff had been suspended.

Today (Wednesday, January 18), it was revealed that police had concluded their investigation and no further action would be taken.

However, one of the workers has since been sacked after allegedly being found to have used inappropriate language.

And the housing association has not ruled out further disciplinary action.

In a statement released to the Border Telegraph, Nile Istephan, chief executive of Eildon Housing Association said: "Following three recently reported allegations of inappropriate staff conduct at Craw Wood Care Home, Eildon Housing Association have been working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate these matters fully and take action where appropriate. Five members of staff have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigations.

"An investigation in respect of one of the suspended members of staff has now concluded and the Association has dismissed this person for using inappropriate language.

"In respect of the two remaining incidents being investigated, Lothian & Borders Police have confirmed they have finished their inquiries and will not be taking any action.

"The Association is now completing its own investigation into the allegations. Until our investigation is completed it would be wrong for us to make any further public statement.

"I can say, however, that we are acutely aware of the concern that these issues may be causing to residents' family members and we, along with Scottish Borders Council colleagues, have offered to meet with individuals to discuss these concerns at any time.

"We are grateful to Scottish Borders Council and NHS colleagues who have provided additional staff to support Craw Wood residents during this period."

Craw Wood Care Home in Tweedbank provides 24-hour care for older people with dementia and currently houses 25 residents.

The investigation follows a report produced by the Care Inspectorate after an unannounced visit in November, which set out eight requirements and four recommendations for the home.

The report deemed the service's quality of staffing and quality of care and support "weak".

Mr Istephan said: "Finally, I can confirm that, following a recent Care Inspectorate report, Eildon Housing Association submitted an Improvement Plan to the regulator and have already taken major steps to address the issues highlighted in the report."

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 18 Jan 12

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