‘Granny porn’ probe at care home

A boss of a OAP care home is being investigated over claims he accessed “granny porn” on his computer at work.
David Campbell has been banned from practising as a nurse pending the outcome of the inquiry, and has quit his job as deputy manager of Ashlea House in Callander.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council are also looking into concerns raised by staff regarding “management style, conduct with patients and the administration and disposal of medication”.

The Care Inspectorate conducted its own probe into the home, when it was noted the computer’s history had been deleted but police had found a picture of the screen showing titles of pornographic sites which had been accessed.

In a report dated August 23, the Inspectorate concluded there was ‘sufficient evidence to assess that on the balance of probabilities the deputy manager did access the websites while at work’.

At a hearing in Edinburgh last month, NMC panel chairperson Eileen Carr said: “It is alleged that Mr Campbell accessed inappropriate images of ‘granny porn’ whilst on duty.

“Mr Campbell resigned from his post prior to the completion of an internal disciplinary process.”

The NMC will now investigate the claims, which have been denied in writing by Mr Campbell, who chose not to attend the recent hearing, or to send anyone to represent him.

The panel noted that Mr Campbell is the sole earner in his family, and indicated in a letter to the NMC that he had been conditionally offered a new nursing post.

But it was decided he should be banned from nursing for 18 months to allow a full investigation.

A Care Inspectorate spokeswoman said: “We are aware a member of staff has been suspended from Ashlea House and referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) by the service provider.

“We continue to work with the service to bring about the improvements required to ensure good care is being delivered.

“We take these matters very seriously and at all times, we expect staff in care homes to provide the highest quality of care to residents.

“The health, safety and well-being of residents is of paramount importance. Anyone with concerns can contact us on 0845 600 9527.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said “Following a complaint made against a care home in Callander, police worked with Stirling Council to carry out a full investigation. It was found there was no criminality and no charges were brought.”

Ashlea House – which looks after 21 elderly residents – is owned by Mauricare who added it to their portfolio a year ago. Salim Boodhoo, director of Mauricare Ltd, said the matter involving Mr Campbell came to their attention within a month of them taking over Ashlea.

“We carried out our own investigations and took appropriate required actions,” he added.

Mr Campbell could not be contacted for comment.