Home at centre of inquiry
Published Date:
01 August 2008
EIGHT members of staff at Fleetwood's Lakeland View home for the disabled are facing suspension hearings amidst claims of gross misconduct.
The nursing staff have been off work since February after the operators of the seafront home, Lancashire County Council, suspended them after various accusations were made against them.
A series of hearings are to be held in the coming weeks to establish if the complaints against them are to be upheld.
The suspensions occurred shortly after it was announced Lakeland View is to close later this year because the building on Laidleys Walk is no longer deemed fit for purpose.
A new £1.9m flats development has been built nextdoor to the home which has 18 "extra care" flats to accommodate some of the Lakeland View residents, while others will be found homes of their choice elsewhere.
County Hall has confirmed the staff suspensions.
A Fleetwood man who is representing one of the suspended staff at a forthcoming hearing said: "Morale is terrible and these people feel they have been badly treated.
"They hope the hearings will establish that they have done nothing wrong after many years offering loyal and hard working service at Lakeland View."
Up to 50 members of staff are currently employed by Lakeland View. Of these, five have found work at the new housing development nextdoor.
The remainder of the staff still face uncertain futures.
A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said:"We are working with staff and people who use Lakeland View to ensure we continue to meet people's needs and respond to the findings of the external review.
"We are investigating a number of issues following the review to ensure the welfare of residents using our multi agency safeguarding procedures and disciplinary processes. Our priority is to ensure we protect and meet the needs of disabled people."
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Last Updated:
01 August 2008 9:56 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Fleetwood