Dorset Police have made four Arrests at Signature House Nursing Home in Dorchester.
It is reported that four staff members have been suspended and arrested. This comes as an allegation alleges a nursing home resident was “tied to a bed overnight”.
Amica Care Trust operates Signature House Nursing Home in Dorchester.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates the healthcare industry and carried out an inspection on 30 August 2022. The home was graded as Good across the board.
The CQC carried out a review on 5th January 2023, no visit was carried out.
Where the CQC recorded:
“We carried out a review of the data available to us about Signature House on 5 January 2023. We have not found evidence that we need to carry out an inspection or reassess our rating at this stage”.
Amica spokesperson said they had referred the incident to the police and were “working closely” with the authorities throughout current investigations.
Keren Wilkinson, chief executive officer of Amica Care Trust, said the trust remained ‘committed to providing high-quality care’ and added: “We were alerted to an incident involving one of our residents at Signature House on January 8.
“In line with our robust procedures for dealing with such matters, we acted immediately to report the incident to the police and initiate the investigation.
“All members of staff involved have been suspended while the investigation takes place.
“We wish to make it clear that we take any allegation made extremely seriously and are cooperating fully with the police investigation, CQC, and Dorset Council’s Safeguarding Team and will support any action advised.”
In a statement, released by Amica,
“a close family member” of the resident involved said: “As a family, we were impressed by the instant improvement in mum’s condition when she arrived at Signature House and the ongoing attention to details as her dementia has progressed.
“The swift, open and thorough response in training and supervision changes (in response) to the recent error has demonstrated the excellence of the organisation.”
Ms Wilkinson added: “We are committed to providing high-quality care to all our residents whose safety and well-being are of paramount importance. As such we adopt a zero-tolerance policy in respect of the rare occasion where that trust is broken, to ensure that staff behaviour reflects our core values.
“We are committed to managing, training and developing our people so that they have all the support they need to offer the highest standards of care to our residents.
“We are continuing to support the resident and their family throughout this process.”
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said:
“At 7.42 am on Sunday 8 January 2023, Dorset Police received a report of concerns for a resident at Signature House care home in Dorchester.”
“An investigation is ongoing and four people have been arrested and released on police bail while enquiries continue.”
The Care Quality Commission confirmed the organisation had been made aware of the incident and the ongoing police investigation.
For information and advice about living with dementia and finding help and support near you. Alzheimer’s Society runs the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456, which provides information and advice about dementia.