Charges dropped against Rose Hill Nursing Home pair

CHARGES against three people who run a nursing home that cares for the elderly have been dropped following a year-long investigation.

Last year police launched an investigation at Rose Hill Nursing Home in Dorking, and in December charged the three with mistreating and neglecting those under their care.

But now prosecutors have offered no evidence against proprietors Tarlochan Chahal, 63, and Jasbir Chahal, 58, both of The Park, Bookham, and manager Kalsum Noh, 60, of Boxhill Road, Tadworth, so all charges made last year under Section 44 of the Mental Capacity Act have been withdrawn.

Reacting to the decision, Mr Chahal said: “After being charged, social services prevented us from taking any NHS patients but we were still permitted to accept private patients and we were never shut down. We have been operating this whole time but it has not been easy.

“Last year we were also found to be incompliant with regards to paperwork and some of our equipment, but have made the necessary changes and were certified as fully compliant in August this year. We are delighted that the charges have been dropped and we have started to accept more patients.

“We were expecting to have to go to trial so it is a huge relief that this whole ordeal is over and we hope it is the start of good times at Rose Hill once again.”

Sharon Pearce, who has been activities co-ordinator at the nursing home for the last six years, was not under investigation, but felt the strain.

She said: “I love my job but it has been really tough over the last year to try and maintain morale, but we have had to because of the patients who did stay with us and we are thankful for their loyalty.

“It is a good feeling just to be able to get back to the job in hand and not have this dark cloud hanging over us anymore.”

In a statement to the Advertiser last Friday, a Surrey Police spokeswoman said: “The Crown Prosecution Service made a decision last week that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute any person in court for any offence in relation to the Rose Hill Nursing Home in Dorking.”