Bristol care home bosses speak out after 'abuse' claims
Mimosa Healthcare, which runs Kingsmead Lodge in Shirehampton, said it was "extremely concerned" about the allegations made by the son of a former resident.
Despite attempts to stop him, Steve Norman, of Antona Court, in Shirehampton, spoke out at a council meeting earlier this week.
The 51-year-old's allegations included:
Abuse of residents – one was allegedly thrown against a wall.
A culture of bullying and harassment.
A lack of support for staff from management.
Abuses of health and safety guidelines.
Basic healthcare policy and practice ignored.
Inadequate reporting procedures.
A lack of equipment.
A regime run by bullying and fear.
The care firm said it was working with Bristol City Council and the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) to rigorously investigate the issues raised by Mr Norman.
The company is also holding an internal investigation. In a statement issued to the Bristol Post, Mimosa Healthcare said: "On Monday evening, Kingsmead Lodge invited residents and their families to a meeting to address the issues raised and to provide an opportunity for residents and families to discuss any concerns caused by this situation.
"During the meeting, support for the staff at Kingsmead was overwhelming, as was the satisfaction with the levels and quality of care we provide.
"Despite this support, we regret that Mr Norman's actions are causing distress to our residents and staff."
Due to the ongoing investigations, Mimosa Healthcare refused to comment on the issues raised by Mr Norman.
The statement went on: "The company operates a confidential phone line available to all residents, their families and staff to report any concerns they have with the operations of any of Mimosa Healthcare properties.
"None of the issues raised by Mr Norman had been highlighted by residents or staff on this service."
Kingsmead Lodge has places for 37 dementia patients and 44 for those who need nursing care. Bristol's social services department places people there. Care costs from £359 to £550 a week.
In response to Mr Norman's claims, Mimosa Healthcare said it wanted to highlight:
It runs 28 homes in the UK, three in Bristol, and enjoys a first-class reputation for providing care for the elderly.
The company took control of Kingsmead Lodge in 2006. The zero-rated home, at the time of takeover, rose quickly under Mimosa's management to two stars and has retained this status.
Since becoming aware of Mr Norman's concerns, Mimosa has on three separate occasions invited Mr Norman to meet with management at Kingsmead Lodge to discuss his allegations. However, to date, Mr Norman has been unable to attend any of these meetings.
Mimosa believes and promotes transparency and welcomes any independent and impartial investigation or review, should this be requested.
The company has always enjoyed a good relationship with both Bristol City Council and the CSCI and continues to do so.
