Court date for care worker in neglect probe

Alainie McLatchie, of Cavendish Road, Bispham, has been charged over her treatment of a resident at the Red Oak care home on St Annes Road, South Shore.

The 22-year-old was arrested back in November 2013, along with two other members of staff who have since been released without charge, after relatives of the alleged victim called police.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “Alainie McLatchie, 22, of Cavendish Road, has been charged with the ill-treatment or wilful neglect of a person without capacity, contrary to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.”

She was not charged in relation to an allegation of assault.

The Gazette reported last year that an investigation was under way after police were contacted by the family of an 87-year-old woman.

Two other woman mentioned in the report, aged 50 and 56, who were arrested on suspicion of theft have been released without any further action.

The Red Oak care home was last year fined by the Care Quality Commission for failing to alert the governing body about an allegation of abuse at the home, as well as incidents of residents needing hospital treatment following falls on the premises.

An unannounced follow-up visit was carried out early last year to ensure the required improvements had been made.

Following its latest inspection in January, the home is now rated as “good” by the watchdog in all six inspection categories.

McLatchie is due to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.