Orchid View care home staff arrested over neglect

Two staff members at a West Sussex care home have been questioned by police about the mistreatment of residents.

The 54-year-old woman and 48-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment and neglect at Orchid View, in Copthorne.

The pair were released on police bail until next month.

Southern Cross, which operates the home specialising in dementia care, said it was co-operating fully with the police and West Sussex Adult Services.

Sussex Police said the woman, from Godstone in Surrey, was arrested on 30 September on suspicion of ill-treatment and neglect contrary to the Mental Health Act 2007 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

She was bailed later that day until 14 November.

‘Mis-application of medication’
 
The man, from Burgess Hill, was arrested on 3 October on suspicion of the same offences, and was bailed to the same date.

It is not known what their jobs were or whether they are still working at the home.

It was revealed last week that police, health inspectors and social services were investigating allegations of the potential mis-application of medication at the care home.

In a statement on Wednesday, Southern Cross said its priority remained the provision of quality care to all of its residents.

“The company is committed to working with all parties involved in this investigation as required,” it added.