Police have launched an investigation into alleged abuse towards residents at an Angus residential complex.
Two members of staff have been suspended at Bearehill Care Home in Brechin following the launch of an adult protection investigation by Police Scotland and its partners in the care sector.
It is understood the probe was launched after whistleblowing members of staff were concerned by the behaviour of colleagues towards at least one resident.
The alleged incident at the home’s Lawrence Unit, for vulnerable adults, happened over the course of the last three months.
A source said one staff member used their mobile phone to cause a service user “mental distress and physical discomfort” while others “egged them on”.
The source said investigators are making inquiries into the incident. which caused “mental distress and physical discomfort” to the mentally resident involved.
Robert Mitchell, of Bearehill Care Home’s operator Four Seasons, said the suspension of staff members is usual when allegations are made, pending an outcome of the investigation.
He told The Courier: “The company’s regional management team is cooperating with police inquiries after members of staff raised concerns.
“Two care workers have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“This is our normal precautionary procedure when an investigation is ongoing.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further ahead of the outcome of the investigation.”
A spokeswoman for Tayside Division of the force said yesterday: “Police Scotland along with partner agencies are carrying out an adult protection investigation at a care home in Brechin.
“There is no further information available at this time.”
Bearehill was ordered to upgrade its facilities in January last year following a “weak” report from the Care Inspectorate public watchdog.
Inspectors then found the quality of environment “weak” and in need of “immediate remedial work”.
But qualities of care and support, and management and leadership have improved over the course of the last two inspections, with the home receiving a “good” grade in November.
Inspectors noted that more staff had been employed and that teamwork was “improving”.