A SOMERSET care provider has denied a raft of serious allegations including bullying, unethical work practice and service users put at risk as Bridgwater Town Council called for an investigation into the issue.

The allegations - involving Somerset Care - were made at a meeting of the council by care worker Deborah Munton, who said she had stepped down over the problems.

The firm denied the claims and said it plans to speak to the council and Mrs Munton.

Mrs Munton told the meeting: “I have come to raise your awareness of my concerns about what is happening as a result of the commissioning and outsourcing of social care services by Somerset County Council.

“I have worked in health and social care for 30 years. Since 2009 I have worked at a strategic level. I was the registered manager with Somerset Care, however I have notified the CQC that I no longer am prepared to be the ‘fit’ person responsible when I am not allowed to address the ongoing issues.”

She said service users were ‘constantly being put at risk’, complaints were not being investigated and untrained staff were completing calls.
“Care and office staff are being forced to work excessively,” she added. “The overall senior management is aware of issues with data protection, confidentiality and bullying. I have statements which confirm this practice.”

The town council supported a motion by Cllr Graham Granter to investigate the allegations and will invite representatives from Somerset Care and the relevant health service unions to a future meeting to discuss the issues raised.

Somerset Care denied the allegations and said it would welcome the chance to address the council.

“Somerset Care would like to thank the Bridgwater Mercury for bringing this matter to our attention,” a statement said. “We note that allegations have been made in a council meeting of Bridgwater Town Council of general/habitual service failings in our care. 

“We deny such allegations utterly, and we are disappointed that we were not given an opportunity to participate in the council meeting and respond to those allegations. We pride ourselves on the quality of our service, which received a rating of ‘Good’ from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its most recent inspection. 

“We take any allegations about standards of care extremely seriously and are happy to engage with anyone who considers they have concerns which warrant investigation. 

“Deborah Munton, former registered manager responsible for our Sedgemoor service, is no longer in our employment. We fully expect our managers running our services to enforce our high standards, so we are surprised that the concerns you have brought to our attention as having been raised at the council were not raised until after she had left our employment. 

“We would invite Deborah to share with us any information she may have in order that we can fully investigate any specific allegations. 

“We would also be more than happy to come and talk to Bridgwater Town Council and address any concerns that they may have, and encourage them to get in touch with us to discuss this further.”

The county council said it had not received any complaints from staff or residents.

An SCC spokesman said: “Care providers such as Somerset Care are responsible for making sure people are properly cared for, that staff are well-trained and supported and that any complaints are investigated. We have received no complaints from staff or residents but anyone with concerns can report them on 0300 123 2224 or email adults@somerset.gov.uk or via www.cqc.org.uk, or ring 03000 616161.”