A CARE home worker has been sacked amid allegations relating to medical regulations, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Bosses at Southern Cross healthcare – the UK’s biggest care home operator – dismissed the staff member following an internal inquiry into their conduct while working at the Stanley Park Care Home, in Stanley, County Durham.

Five staff were originally suspended in March. In addition to the one who has been sacked, one has been transferred, two have left the firm’s employment of their own accord and one remains under investigation.

Southern Cross, which is based in Darlington, declined to confirm or deny the claims last night.

In a statement, area manager Joanne Elliott said: “Following the suspension of five members of staff at our Stanley Park Care Home, in Stanley, earlier this year, we can confirm that three of the suspended employees have left Southern Cross healthcare, one remains suspended pending the completion of their individual investigation and one member of staff completed their investigation and has subsequently been transferred to another of our care homes.

“These investigations pertain to incidents that occurred at the end of last year.

“Since this time, several positive changes have been made within the home to ensure that the care provided to our residents at Stanley Park is of the highest quality.

“We are also pleased that our efforts have been reflected in Durham County Council’s recent, highly positive quality assessment of our home.”

A spokesman confirmed that of the three departed employees, one had been dismissed and two had left freely.

Stanley Park is a 71-bed, two-floor, purpose-built home, which charges up to £500 a week per resident.

The allegations caused concerns for families with relatives living in the home and North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who called them “deeply worrying”.

Last year, Brian Dawson, of Stanley, received a five-figure payout after the home admitted liability for injuries his mother, Avis, sustained in its care.

However, an unannounced nighttime inspection staged in December by the Care Quality Commission, the social care regulator, was generally favourable.