NI care home owner failed to report abuse claims

A care home owner failed to properly report allegations of potential abuse against two elderly residents, healthcare regulators have found.

Staff are alleged to have verbally abused two people at The Cherry Tree Nursing Home in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) found Dr Dean Harron, who owns the home, had failed to comply with health regulations in two different areas.

It also found there had been “inappropriate” behaviour between staff.

The home had been placed on notice or alert since last September. However, further inspections were also carried out in February and May.

While the allegations of abuse against the residents had been investigated by the home’s manager, the safeguarding team at the Northern Health Trust were not notified.

This was a breach of legislation as well as regional and local protocols.