Carers Facing Abuse Claims

Two care workers have been suspended from a Sunderland nursing home amid allegations of abuse.

The two workers, believed to be female nurses, were suspended from duty at Herrington Grange Nursing Home recently after claims they were abusing residents.

Police and social services have launched an investigation into the allegations at the home, which cares for to up to 50 elderly people.

The home, which is in Southburn Terrace, New Herrington, is run by private company Four Seasons Health Care and residents pay up to £450-a-week to stay there.

The details of the abuse allegations are not yet known, but health bosses and police today confirmed an investigation was underway.

A spokesman for Four Seasons Health Care said: “We can confirm that we are investigating accusations made against two members of staff whose employment has been suspended. The company is liasing with all relevant agencies as part of this process.”

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police confirmed detectives were making inquiries in to possible abuse at Herrington Grange.

She said: “There is an ongoing investigation following allegations of mistreatment.”

Sunderland Social Services, which has clients living at the home, said today they would be working with the police and Four Seasons to investigate the claims.

A spokesman at Sunderland City Council said: “Any issues in relation to any home are taken seriously and appropriate procedures and protocols are followed in accordance with the circumstances of a particular situation.

“As a matter of routine Social Services works very closely with the Commission for Social Care Inspection and other agencies to ensure the satisfactory resolution of any issues.”