Gwynedd care home manager struck off for neglect

A Gwynedd adult care home manager has been struck off the Register of Social Care Workers for neglecting older people in her care.

Joan Lesley Heatley, formerly employed by a private residential home in Gwynedd, failed to uphold the standards of the Code of Practice for Social Care Workers by not reporting allegations of abuse made by a resident to Gwynedd Council; failing to report an incident involving a resident to the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) and not making adequate care plans.

During the hearing, the Conduct Committee heard that a resident staying at the home for respite did not have his nutritional or pressure-relieving needs assessed.  As result of Ms Heatley’s failure, the resident suffered a deterioration in his condition when leaving the home.

In a separate charge, the Committee heard that Ms Heatley failed to deal with a case of suspected abuse in line with the home’s policy.  There was evidence of an internal investigation taking place but she did not notify other agencies, as would be expected of the care home manager.

The Committee found misconduct in all of the charges brought against Ms Heatley and described her behaviour as “a serious disregard for the Code of Practice of Social Care Workers.”

Ms Heatley, who did not attend the hearing, admitted that the incidences took place but did not admit any wrongdoing.

As a result of the Committee’s decision, she will no longer be able to work as an adult care home manager in Wales.

Ms Heatley was subject to a separate investigation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and suspended from the nursing register for nine months.  The decision was later appealed by the Professional Standards Authority and the sanction was changed to removal from the register.