Nine carers suspended at residential home

NINE staff at a residential care home have been suspended after claims they used inappropriate language and behaviour when dealing with clients.

The staff at the Humphrey Lodge residential home in Thaxted, near Saffron Walden, were suspended for almost a month while the allegations, said to be made by another member of staff, are investigated.

The nine carers were told in a letter on June 19 that they were being suspended without pay – and they could face the threat of a disciplinary hearing.

It is understood that they are awaiting a second letter and do not have the full details on the nature of the allegations, nor when the matter is likely to be resolved.

The home is owned by Runwood Homes, which is based in Benfleet, Essex. It said it is bringing in extra staff and asking carers to do extra shifts to ensure standards are maintained for residents at the home.

Logan Logeswaran, managing director of Runwood Homes, said it was vital that local authority procedures were followed after the allegations.

He said: “Even the slightest concern needs to be dealt with properly.

“We have appointed an investigating officer who is working closely with the local authority and relevant social workers. The process of investigation is well under way.

“All allegations have to be carefully considered by everyone and it is possible the police may have to study three or four of the cases.

“The investigations of the others should be concluded around the end of this week at which time there may need to be disciplinary hearings – but the last thing we want to do is treat anybody badly.

“We are doing our best to ensure the standard of care at Humphrey Lodge is being maintained and have been calling on agency staff, staff from some of our other homes and carers undertaking extra shifts to fill the gaps.”

He said relatives of the home’s residents were being “kept in the picture” about the developing situation.