A care home staff member in Croydon has been suspended, and police have opened a criminal investigation after a vulnerable resident was allegedly kicked three times during an incident witnessed and captured on camera.
The reported assault took place at Eeze Residential Care on Lower Addiscombe Road on the evening of Sunday 26 July. Metropolitan Police were notified the following morning, Monday 27 July, at 11.16am, and are now examining evidence including photographic material said to show the alleged actions.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Eeze Care said,
“Eeze Care takes the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all residents extremely seriously. We are aware of concerns that have been raised regarding an incident at our Addiscombe service and have acted promptly in accordance with our safeguarding procedures.”
“Immediately upon becoming aware of the matter, an internal investigation was commenced. The employee concerned has been suspended from duties pending the outcome of the investigation. Relevant safeguarding authorities have been notified, and we are working closely with all appropriate stakeholders, including the Police, Croydon Adult Social Care, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), healthcare professionals, family members and the wider professional network involved in the resident’s care.
“Our first priority has been the welfare and protection of the resident. Appropriate safeguarding measures and support remain in place while investigations continue.”*
Police have appealed for anyone with information, or who was in the area on the evening in question, to contact them quoting reference CAD 1116/27Jul.
Context of care concerns across Croydon
The incident is the latest in a series of safeguarding issues affecting care services across the borough. Recent history includes:
- A nurse at Elmwood Care Home cautioned for 18 months after failing to report a colleague slapping an elderly resident and telling a witness “tell no one”;
- A CQC inspection downgrading North Downs Villa to Inadequate and placing it in special measures over failures to protect residents from abuse;
- A six-figure settlement paid after homophobic abuse was recorded against a resident placed in a Croydon home by Lambeth Council.
Croydon Council’s adult safeguarding team reminds the public that any concerns about abuse or neglect should be reported immediately, either via the council’s online form, by calling 020 8726 6500, or by dialling 999 if there is immediate danger.
Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and long-standing campaigner for care standards, said:
“Every person in residential care deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. When trust is broken in this way it is deeply distressing for residents, families and the wider community. We need full transparency from providers and robust oversight from regulators to ensure such incidents are properly investigated and never repeated.”
The CQC has confirmed it is monitoring developments at Eeze Residential Care and will consider any findings when next reviewing the home’s rating.
