Farron presses Minister further on care home abuse

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Jul 2007

Local MP, Tim Farron has today written to Health Minister Ivan Lewis about abuse in care homes. Last week, Mr Farron questioned the Minister during Health Questions, where Mr Lewis conceded that the situation was "shocking".

Mr Farron has been contacted by several constituents, relatives of whom have suffered abuse in care homes and is keen to ensure that the regulatory body (the Commission for Social Care Inspection - CSCI) is given the necessary powers to investigate claims. At the moment, complaints are directed through the ombudsman, which can be a lengthy and cumbersome process. Mr Farron is hoping to meet with the Health Minister and has invited him to join in a meeting scheduled with Help the Aged to discuss care homes next week.

Tim Farron said:

"I am keen to push this issue to the top of the agenda for the new Government. Abuse in care homes is shockingly widespread and the mechanisms for complaining are wholly insufficient.

"We need a system for care homes similar to that for schools, and at least as effective. The procedures need to be clearly understandable and it should be easy for people to find out the stage that their complaint has reached. I would be keen to discuss this with the Minister at the earliest opportunity."