Sutton-on-Sea care home boss suspended

JUST weeks after being recognised for her commitment to championing dignity for dementia sufferers, the manager of a Sutton on Sea care home has been suspended.

The decision regarding the Reverend Bill Baker Court, in Broadway, and Christine Tobutt came after an anonymous tip-off from the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

As a result, Lincolnshire County Council took the decision to conduct an investigation.

Richard McCarthy, Senior Contacts Officer at LCC, said: “As part of this process both the council and Anchor Trust, the owner of Reverend Bill Baker Court, agreed that in order to ensure the investigation was not prejudiced in any way, the manager was to be suspended while it takes place.

“This course of action is often taken in such cases, to ensure the interests of both the manager and those making any complaint are taken into account.

“Anchor Trust have made appropriate arrangements to ensure the home is well-supported during the absence of the manager.”

A spokesperson for Anchor Trust confirmed that the scheme manager has been suspended and that it was working with the county council, although it would not be appropriate for them to comment any further at this time.

The former nurse was recently recognised for her work in promoting best practice in dementia care and is now among only 3,000 ‘Dignity Champions’ in Britain, who promote dignity as a basic human right and not an optional extra for sufferers of dementia.

At the time, she told the Target: “Thanks to Anchor’s training, I now have a better understanding of the different types of dementia, their symptoms and causes, which have helped me boost the high standards of care at Reverend Bill Baker Court.

“The growing population of older people will also see an increased number of people living with dementia. It’s important that we, as care professionals, are well trained so we help our tenants to live as independent and fulfilling a life as possible.”