Police probe Cumbrian nursing home after mistreatment complaints

Social workers and police are investigating a Workington nursing home following allegations of mistreatment and neglect.

Details of the concerns about Branthwaite Care Home have not been revealed.

But Cumbria County Council, which pays the fees of some of the residents, has suspended new admissions.

Branthwaite offers care for people with dementia, mental disorders and physical disabilities as well as general nursing services.

The investigation is being carried out by Cumbria County Council’s adult social care department, police and staff from NHS Cumbria.

They are looking into several complaints.

A county council spokesman told the News & Star: “The fact an investigation is underway should not presume any guilt on behalf of Branthwaite or its staff, but the adult social care does have a duty to investigate any suspected patterns of neglect or mistreatment.

“Cumbria County Council suspended new admissions to Branthwaite Nursing Home on January 29 and that suspension remains in place while the investigation continues. We are working with the care provider to address the concerns raised.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary said its officers were involved because the force is signed up to the adult safeguarding multi agency partnership. They are not treating it as a criminal case.

Meanwhile, the Care Quality Commission is carrying out its own inquiries. Inspectors from the health and social care watchdog arrived at the Branthwaite Road complex in January.

A CQC spokesman said: “We were alerted by various sources that there may be a safeguarding issue at the home.

“We cannot make any further comment until our inspectors’ report is published.”

Branthwaite is a private home, owned by the Executive Care Group, which can accommodate up to 57 people.

It received a two star ‘good’ rating from the CQC when it was last inspected in April 2009.

A spokesman for the company said issues of concern have been responded to promptly and productively.

She added: “As far as we are aware the original safeguarding issue was investigated, unsubstantiated and closed. Cumbria County Council has not made us aware of any ongoing multi-agency safeguarding investigations at this time.

“We have been informed that a suspension of placements that we had hoped would be lifted is remaining in place.

“As yet we have not been made aware of the reasons behind this ongoing suspension but will ensure that, when we are made aware of the details, any issues will be addressed.

“We will continue to work closely with our residents, their families, the county council and CQC and hold the safety and wellbeing of our residents as paramount.”