Staff Suspended At Blackpool Old People’s Home
STAFF have been suspended and an investigation launched at a Fylde coast care home. Police and council bosses are probing allegations about standards of care at the council-run Milbanke Care Home, in Station Road, Kirkham.
Social services chiefs today confirmed several workers at the home, which caters for elderly people with dementia had been suspended.
No details have been revealed as to the nature of the allegations and police refused to be drawn on what they relate to.
The matter has been reported to the independent body, the Commission for Social Care Inspection.
County Coun Tom Burns, cabinet member for organisation development, said: “As a result of these reports, a number of staff have been suspended and a police investigation has begun. The county council is working closely with Lancashire Police.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
The home, which has places for up to 44 residents, is run by Lancashire County Care and at its last inspection, in June, was given just one star – categorising it as “adequate”.
A spokesman for the Commission for Social Care Inspection said: “An investigation is now under way, which we are aware of, under safeguarding procedures.
“It is co-ordinated by social services, but the majority of the work is being done by the police. We are involved in terms of helping the inquiry.”
It has not been revealed how many staff have been suspended. Det Insp Tony Baxter, from Blackpool Police’s public protection unit, said: “Allegations have been made about the standard of care provided by Milbanke.
Police are currently reviewing evidence before a decision can be made as to whether this is a criminal matter and requires a criminal investigation.”
Lancashire County Care, which runs the home, says it provides “high quality care” for a range of people with different needs and requirements, including dementia.
