23 Feb 2012
by JOHN CROSSLEY
A CARE home used a ‘whistle-blowing procedure’ to bring justice for an 84- year-old dementia patient who was punched while on the toilet by a member of staff.
Fauld House Private Nursing Home
Former Fauld House Private Nursing Home employee Charles Kent attacked pensioner Eileen Knowles as she was sitting on the toilet.
As reported in the Mail yesterday, 21- year-old Kent, of Buston Lane, Anslow, was found guilty of assaulting the resident following a trial at Burton Magistrates’ Court.
The 48-bed care home, off Fauld Lane, Tutbury, said it was ‘committed to protecting vulnerable adults.’ In a written statement the care home said: “As part of our commitment to providing a safe, secure and happy care, the company has a whistle-blowing procedure, which all employees of the home are made aware of and have access to when they commence employment.
“The whistle-blowing procedure was implemented by a member of staff who alerted the home manager regarding Charles Kent’s behaviour on October 13 last year.” While he was suspended, bosses at the home launched disciplinary proceedings while the allegations were being investigated.
“We wish to stress that from this date to present, Charles Kent was no longer in contact with any residents of, or their relatives at Fauld House Nursing Home,” the statement continued.
The former John Taylor High School pupil returned to the Horninglow Street courthouse on Monday for sentencing, and he was ordered to pay £50 compensation to his victim and to complete 150 hours unpaid work.
Kent was still on the care home’s books until February 10 when he was eventually dismissed, four days ahead of when he was found guilty following a trial at Burton Magistrates’ Court.
“We wish to stress this was done in advance of the court hearing, it was not therefore a reaction to the trial and was a decision made entirely by Fauld House and in the interests of our residents and their families,” the home added.
“Fauld House Nursing Home provides all care staff with all necessary mandatory training as required by Government legislation and ensures the home’s employees are kept fully up to date.”
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'Whistle Blowing' procedure - Well done. It is time that other nursing homes, around the globe, do the same. A few years ago, a 'whistle-blower' lost his job, on some thrumped-up charges and was sacked. Unless there are procedures in place to protect whistle-blowers, carers would just look away. Are we serious about protecting the vulnerable elderly?
............................. Andrew
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