CCTV for care homes

STAFF and residents at HC-One care homes across the UK - including one in Oldham - are to be consulted over plans to introduce CCTV cameras.

The move follows the release of shocking footage showing neglect and abuse in one of the company’s care homes in 2012.

The third-largest care home provider in Britain has 227 homes, one of which is Avalon Park in Dove Street, Salem. The company plans to offer residents the chance to request a camera in their room.

HC-One chairman Dr Chai Patel said: “As soon as we became aware of the situation we took immediate action, and we remain deeply sorry for these failings.”

Unannounced inspections by the Care Quality Commission and others don’t always uncover the actions of a small number of individuals, he added.

“We believe placing cameras in care homes can only help to protect the wellbeing and dignity of those we support and act as a deterrent against deliberate bad practice and cruelty,” he said.