Two carers charged with neglect (From St Helens Star)

Two carers charged with neglect

9:00am Thursday 13th August 2009 in News Exclusive By Andrew Kilmurray

TWO carers at a nursing home have been charged with neglecting elderly residents following a lengthy police investigation.

David Hill and Kathleen Roberts, are both accused of ill-treating residents at the Victoria Care Home in Rainford.

Hill, aged 47, of Cowley Hill Lane, faces five charges of ill–treating/wilfully neglecting a person without capacity under the Mental Health Capacity Act 2005.

Roberts 57, from Dunmail Avenue, Carr Mill, faces one count.

Detectives in St Helens have brought the charges following an investigation that has lasted about six months.

In March the Star revealed how the care home, which provides nursing and social care for residents, was the subject of a police investigation.

Four Seasons Health Care, which manages the village’s care home, confirmed issues had been brought to their attention through “stringent whistleblowing” procedures.

A statement issued by the company read: “The health and safety of our residents is paramount and we have fully co-operated with the police.”

Two members of staff were suspended earlier this year.

Both Hill and Roberts are on bail and will face St Helens Magistrates’ Court later this month.