Ill-treatment probe at home

Franklin House

THREE carers have been arrested following an investigation into ill-treatment at a private Oldham care home.

Police received a report that an 86-year-old patient had been ill-treated at Franklin House Care Home, in Franklin Street, on September 29.

The Chronicle understands that the victim, who suffers from dementia, was humiliated by three women, who took photos of her while she was undressed.

Three members of staff have been dismissed and two of them are presently appealing the decision.

Three women, aged 23, 28 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment under the Mental Capacity Act and bailed until November 24 pending further inquiries.

A Franklin House spokeswoman said she regards the safety and well-being of its service users as the number one priority.

“There is a zero-tolerance policy on the safeguarding of our residents,” she said.

“A member of staff raised a complaint regarding an alleged incident.

“An investigation was instigated that day and three members of staff were suspended from duty.

“Franklin House notified the regulatory bodies and the police of the allegations and has co-operated fully with their inquiries.

“Following a correctly convened disciplinary process, three members of staff were dismissed and two are presently appealing against dismissal.”

The proprietors confirmed that this is the first incident of its kind at the home and offered reassurance that everything possible was done to deal with the situation promptly and to restore the harmony that has always existed between staff and service users. The home, which has 35 beds, is not under investigation.

Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should call Det Cons Julie Balkwell on 0161-856 8962 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.