Barnsley council to continue investigation after care home abuse charges are dropped over lack of evidence

Seven women who work at the Cherry Trees home were arrested between 22 and 25 June on suspicion of ill treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker after pictures depicting poor treatment of residents were posted on social media.

One of the images showed 83-year-old Shirley Duffy, who lived at the home before her death from a cancer-related illness in April, placed upside down in a chair.

Today a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed no further police action will be taken against the staff members because of a lack of evidence.

However, now that the police investigation has concluded, Barnsley Council has said that its own enquiries into the matter will continue.

Cllr Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesperson for adults and communities, said: "Now that South Yorkshire police have concluded their investigation regarding Cherry Tree Care Home, our Adult Social Care service can start Adult Safeguarding procedures.

"In June, we acted immediately following the allegations about the care home. We began reviewing every resident in the care home to make sure that their needs were safely being met. Further admissions to Cherry Tree Care Home were also stopped and will continue while we investigate this matter.

"As part of our Adult Safeguarding procedures, we're contacting each resident and their family to discuss their concerns regarding abuse. I want to reassure residents and their families that we'll work with them and our partners to look at how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances their involvement, choice and control as well as improving their quality of life, wellbeing and safety.

"Our priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our vulnerable residents, and we know that this incident is not representative of the support that is provided by carers throughout care homes in Barnsley."

"However, abuse is something that we'll not tolerate in Barnsley. Everyone should expect that family members in care settings are being looked after in the best possible way, and this is what we expect as a council.

"If you know, or suspect, that an adult is being abused, harmed, or neglected, whether it's in their own home, in a care home or hospital, or out in the community, please let us know so that we can do something about it.”

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “Although the photos are both inappropriate and unprofessional, extensive enquiries conducted by our officers found that there is not sufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution.

“All families involved have continually been kept updated and have now been informed of the outcome.”

If you have concerns about abuse in care homes in Bransley, you can call the council’s safeguarding team on (01226) 773300 or to report an urgent concern outside of office hours, you can call the emergency duty team on (01226) 787789.