Woman arrested as part of police investigation into North Yorkshire care home

A woman has been arrested as part of a police investigation into an alleged incident at a North Yorkshire care home.

The incident, which allegedly took place at Osborne House in Selby, North Yorkshire, prompted a CQC inspection in August and September that resulted in the home being placed in special measures.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a criminal investigation is ongoing following an incident at Osbourne House care home in Selby which was reported in July 2019. One woman was arrested and has since been released under investigation to allow for further enquiries.”

In its damning report on the home, which is run by Crown Care, the CQC found “degrading care practices” in its nursing unit.

The CQC said people were not given the opportunity to use the toilet and were expected to use continence pads.

In addition, evidence of “organisational abuse” was found in the nursing unit with the majority of people remaining in bed 24 hours a day.

The CQC added: “People did not have the opportunity for social stimulation and were not supported to have an everyday life such as using the toilet, eating meals at the dining table or spending time outside.”

The regulator noted that people’s personal care needs were neglected with on person, for example, not having had their hair washed for many weeks and their toenails left “extremely long and overgrown”.

Following discussions, the CQC said that by day three of the inspection care and treatment of people had improved with more people being assisted out of bed and baths and showers taking place.

A Crown Care spokesperson told CHP: “A complaint was made regarding a care agency worker, referred to (in the report) as the incident, which is being investigated by the relevant authorities, and as the investigation is current, we are not able to comment on the specifics.

“This complaint prompted an unannounced Inspection of the service.  The findings made relate to the general nursing care floor. As a result of the inspection, immediate actions were put into place to address and remedy those concerns identified and this is acknowledged in the CQC report itself.

“Crown Care has a proud record of delivering excellent services across all our homes.  We are clear that the robust oversight from the home management team ensures the home continues to deliver the high standards of nursing care that Osbourne House has always been known for and for which a recent joint local authority and NHS Health Inspection undertaken on 10th December have evidenced, Osborne House was also fully inspected as recently as May 2019 and rated as Good in all areas. Crown Care is committed to continued development and working with the local authority and CQC to ensure that all services are of the very best standard.”