The Care Commission is to launch an investigation into allegations of drug-taking, theft and bullying which have been lodged against a Dundee care worker.
A further allegation that a female service user was able to wander out of Riverside View care home in the early hours of the morning, and was found lying in the snow in freezing temperatures after half an hour, is also to be investigated.
It is claimed a staff member had left a fire door unlocked after going for a cigarette, allowing the woman to wander off.
A source at the home claims a female care assistant has been taking drugs while on duty, stealing money, bank cards and personal items from fellow staff members and jewellery and other items from elderly service users at the home.
It is also alleged the worker falsified food and fluid charts.
The concerned source contacted The Courier to complain that, despite the claims having previously been raised with senior staff at the home, which is owned by Southern Cross Healthcare, no action has been taken against the worker.
The source said a pattern had emerged with regards to the thefts of cash, bank cards, residents’ toiletries and food from the main kitchen since the woman began working there several months ago.
In addition, another staff member had witnessed the worker placing a female service user in a state of fear and alarm, while a resident’s ring had gone missing, the source said.
“I have been given information that the woman has been taking drugs whilst on duty at the care home and more money has gone missing,” the source alleged.
“It can be said that the money that is going missing is going towards buying drugs for herself as money is being stolen regularly and is forming a pattern.”Similar allegationsThey added, “I also received information today regards a service user who was found lying in the snow in the grounds of the nursing home for at least 30 minutes.
“She was able to walk freely out of the fire exit doors on the ground level and fell in the snow and was found just in time by a care assistant out smoking on night shift.”
They said, “Temperatures were well below zero and she was freezing cold and had hypothermia.
“In the interests of the service users and the other staff I am putting forward this letter as a complaint to The Courier.”
The same letter went to the Care Commission, who have launched an inquiry.
A commission spokesman said, “We received a written complaint about this service on December 23 and have responded to the complainant acknowledging receipt.
“Given the serious nature of the complaint, a Care Commission officer will be appointed to investigate the allegations as a matter of priority.
“At this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
The Courier faxed the letter containing the allegations to Southern Cross Healthcare, who had not received it, they said, although they confirmed they have previously dismissed similar allegations.
Elizabeth Roscoe, head of service quality at Southern Cross Healthcare, said, “Riverside View care home received allegations of a similar nature against a particular individual earlier this year from a former employee. Following an internal investigation, we concluded the allegations were unfounded.
“We understand that similar allegations have been made in a separate letter which we have not received directly.
“However, we are aware the Care Commission has received the letter and we will co-operate fully with any investigation. Until this is concluded, it is inappropriate to comment further.”