Care Home Manager Suspended

The manager of a county council old people’s home in Cumbria has been suspended while police investigate alleged misuse of funds. Ann Watt was relieved of her duties at Eskdale House in Longtown last week.

She had been in charge of the home, which has 27 elderly residents, since 2004. Families of residents have been sent a letter informing them of the move. It says: “Ann Watt has been suspended from duty as a registered manager at Eskdale House to allow an investigation to be carried out. I would like to reassure you that this is in no way connected with the care that your relative receives.”

The letter is signed by Joan Gardiner, Cumbria County Council operations manager for adult social care, who is now in temporary charge of Eskdale House.

John Devlin, of Morton Park, Carlisle, whose 84-year-old father-in-law is a resident, says he was fobbed off when he asked the council why Ms Watt had been suspended. He said: “This smacks of a cover up. I’ve got nothing but praise for Ann Watt and the whole of the staff at Eskdale House.”

However, a council spokesman confirmed that the suspension was due to allegations of misuse of funds. It is understood the money belonged to Cumbria Care, the council offshoot that runs old people’s homes, not to individual residents.

The spokesman added: “The police investigation was requested by Cumbria Care who have placed a temporary manager in charge of the home pending its completion. Service users and their families have been informed.”

Residents of Eskdale House pay between £317 and £422 a week for care, although charges are means tested. The future of the home, and that of other county council care homes, is currently the subject of a review.