Investigation after care home ‘party’ video shared online
STAFF FILMED DOING WHEELIES IN WHEELCHAIR USED BY RESIDENTS
There was unacceptable behaviour. Those involved will be suspended
Diane Riley, care home manager
OLDHAM council has launched an investigation after care home staff were filmed dancing on chairs and doing wheelies on a wheelchair.
Video footage of staff ‘partying’ at Stoneleigh House in Oldham triggered outrage among some members of the public when it appeared on social media.
In the footage, one member of staff is seen whizzing across the floor on a frame used by frail residents.
The same member of staff is helped by another to do a wheelie in a wheelchair.
About a dozen staff are dancing around the kitchen and communal area and standing on chairs.
The party was said to have taken place after the staff had helped at a VE Day celebration for residents.
It is understood that no residents were present at the time.
The care home manager said all of the staff involved will be suspended and that an investigation will take place.
Diane Riley, manager of the home in Cooper Street, Springhead, said: “There was a party held for the residents to celebrate VE Day, which finished at about 8.30pm.
“After that staff and others who had come in to volunteer to help with the celebration went into the dining room area. It was closed and no residents were in there. The staff were off duty and I think this gathering started at about 9.30pm. I was not there myself, I had gone home. There were some high spirits and unacceptable behaviour. We have started an investigation and once identified those involved will be suspended while the investigation takes place.”
On Sunday, Oldham council says it has now launched its own investigation into the ‘unacceptable behaviour’ of the staff.
Coun Zahid Chauhan, the council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The immediate launch of our safeguarding procedures shows you just how seriously we are treating this.
“The scenes showed in video footage are totally unacceptable.”
As a precaution, all residents will now also be tested for COVID-19.