Cumbria care home worker arrested in neglect probe

A care worker has been arrested on suspicion of neglect or ill-treatment at Workington’s Amathea Care Home.

Police confirmed yesterday that a 23-year-old woman had been arrested and bailed, following two alleged incidents at the Newlands Lane home between last October and December.

The care worker was suspended last month following a meeting between police and Adult Social Care, while investigations took place.

She has now been arrested under the Mental Capacity Act, which covers ill treatment or neglect of a person who lacks capacity.

After being interviewed by detectives, the woman has been bailed until March 8 while inquiries continue.

The Workington home is owned by Durham-based Southern Cross Healthcare, which has 750 homes across the country.

Six days ago the company’s management team alerted Cumbria County Council’s safeguarding department about the situation.

The council immediately placed the home under temporary embargo, meaning it was banned from taking on new residents.

Debbie Jallow, area manager for Southern Cross Healthcare, said: “We are working closely with the police to assist with the investigation.

“While the home is under temporary embargo, no new admissions will be made.”

Southern Cross Healthcare owns another care home in west Cumbria – Harriet’s at Distington.

Last May the home was also placed under temporary embargo following a visit from the county council’s contracts department.

A damning report was later published by the Care, Quality Commission.

Just some of the shocking finding showed that incorrect doses of medicines were being administered; medicines were running out and not being replaced; poor storage and disposal of medicine was being carried out; and a member of staff had not had a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Ms Jallow said: “The contracts department identified some areas for improvement and placed the home under temporary embargo.

“The necessary steps, needed to rectify the situation, were carried out immediately, and the embargo was lifted. The home is now taking new admissions as usual.”