A care home has been cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation into alleged abuse of a resident.
Croxley House Care Home, in Little Green Lane, Croxley Green, was investigated after allegations that a former Second World War Navy Wren, aged in her 90s, was attacked in the home.
The woman was taken to Watford General Hospital on May 2 last year after she suffered a fall in her bedroom. She sustained a three-inch wound to her leg, and photos showed bruising on other parts of her body, including on her arm and shoulder.
The Daily Mail reported in September that after four weeks in hospital, the woman’s granddaughter told her grandmother she could return home, to which her grandmother replied: “What about those ones who attacked me?”
Soon after, an investigation was launched by Hertfordshire Constabulary after an allegation of assault against a woman in her 90s at Croxley House, which the care home said it was fully co-operating with.
Investigations have also been carried out by the hospital and adult safeguarding board at Hertfordshire County Council.
The hospital found that the injuries the resident was admitted to hospital with were consistent with a fall.
The police investigation ended in December concluding no further action was required.
However, Hertfordshire Constabulary says it is now investigating a complaint made in relation to December's conclusion.
Hertfordshire County Council says its safeguarding investigation, which concluded this month, found the allegations were unsubstantiated.
Following the outcome of the safeguarding investigation by the council, Croxley House said in a statement: “We welcome the outcome of this detailed safeguarding investigation, which found all of the allegations were unsubstantiated.
"The decision clears the home of any wrongdoing in relation to the care of a former resident and confirms the earlier findings of the hospital and police investigation.
“This thorough safeguarding investigation has concluded that there was no abuse of the individual concerned whatsoever or indeed any other residents at the home.
“As providers of care to vulnerable adults we recognise the importance of scrutiny and transparency. This multi-agency investigation involved professionals from a number of bodies involved in the resident’s care, including staff at the hospital where the resident was admitted.
“While it is of course paramount to investigate all serious safeguarding issues, regrettably the high-profile nature of this case has had an impact on the home’s other residents, their families and staff.
“As a charity our sole purpose is to provide the highest quality of care for the residents who call Croxley House home. We are pleased to now be in a position to move forward, knowing that the unsubstantiated allegations have been put to rest following a thorough and robust investigation.
“We continue to wish the resident well in her new home.”
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