Four held in care home abuse probe


A MERSEYSIDE care home was at the centre of a police probe today following allegations dementia sufferers were mistreated. Four members of staff at Windy Knowe Nursing Home were arrested last week on suspicion of “wilful neglect”.

The Oxton home specialises in caring for elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease.

They were quizzed by officers from Merseyside Police’s Vulnerable Adult Team and later released on bail.

The home has 49 residents, seven under the age of 65 and 42 over 65.

Relatives were told about the police investigation in letters sent by Merseyside Police and Wirral Council’s Adult Social Services department.

One man, whose 64-year-old uncle is a resident at the home, told the ECHO: “We didn’t know anything about it until the letters were sent to my mother.

“It came as a real shock.”

The police letter, signed by Detective Inspector Mark Tivendale, said: “Merseyside Police are currently investigating a number of staff that were employed by the home.

“The owners of Windy Knowe are working with Merseyside Police during this investigation and are involved in protecting the residents and ensuring all current procedures and care are at acceptable standards.”

Windy Knowe is owned by Springcare Ltd which runs 13 homes in Wirral, Cheshire and Shropshire. The home declined to comment.

Police confirmed the four arrested members of staff were bailed until April 21.

THE LIVERPOOL ECHO

I worked there 16 years ago, thought it was one of the better homes-fkn disgusting if true.

Thats a disgusting way to treat the older generation

Here is the inspection report from November that presumably triggered this - they scored 0. I know this place from years ago and it was held in high esteem. I hope the management are also implicated, they have to take an active role in ensuring things like this don't happen, not turn a blind eye and assume they can't be blamed!

Windy Knowe inspection report

THEY GOT A 0 THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN SHUT DOWN THEN!