Allegations of intimidation, bullying and harassment towards ex-servicemen at Rosendael Veterans’ Residence in Broughty Ferry are being investigated by the Care Inspectorate for Scotland.
The allegations come after the sudden death of a 38-year-old ex-RAF man from a suspected drugs overdose.
Tayside Police confirmed they are investigating the death of Mark Forrest, from Kintore, near Aberdeen.
It is understood his family were told his body had been lying in his room for two days before being discovered. Last night, they were too upset to comment.
Mr Forrest was found dead at the Scottish Veterans’ Residences (SVR) premises on Victoria Road on Monday August 27.
A police spokesperson said: ”Tayside Police confirms it is carrying out an inquiry into the full set of circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a 38-year-old man at an address in Victoria Road, Broughty Ferry, on August 27.
”There are no apparent suspicious circumstances at this time and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”
The Courier understands the allegations about the regime at Rosendael were made to the regulatory body a month ago.
A source at the SVR-run home said residents were distraught at Mr Forrest’s death and said the Care Inspectorate should have acted quicker.
”I sent a message to Care Inspectorate in which I have stressed that since my complaint into the management of Rosendael, the bullying and intimidation, no action seems to have been taken and that due to this, in my opinion, had they conducted the inspection they promised and met with the residents who wished to speak to them (Mark was one of these people) his death this last week may have been avoided,” the source said.
”My reasons for my complaints are only an attempt to stop this ever happening again.”
A Care Inspectorate spokesman said: ”We have received a number of complaints in recent weeks relating to Rosendael, a registered Housing Support service. All of the allegations are currently being fully investigated by us.
Continued…
”We have also been in discussions with both Tayside Police and with the adult protection team at Dundee Council regarding a number of the issues raised with us.
”A vital part of our work is to investigate complaints or concerns about the quality of care in any service. People who use services, their families or carers and care professionals are encouraged to raise concerns about the quality of care whatever they might be.
”That’s why we have our national inquiry line 0845 600 9527 so people can raise their concerns with us, anonymously if preferred, and why we have recently reminded care professionals of their obligation to report concerns to us.
”The people of Scotland can make a real difference in the care delivered in their community. We want them to get in touch. We want them to tell us their experience of care services. And by working with us, we can drive up standards together.”
Ian Ballantyne, chief executive of Scottish Veterans’ Residences, said he was aware of the police investigation into Mr Forrest’s death but was not aware of any allegations made by residents.
He said: ”The Care Inspectorate has not been in touch with me and where these allegations come from I’m not sure. The last report from the Care Inspectorate was excellent.
”We are aware of the death and that has been reported to the police but we have not had the police report so I can’t comment on that.
”When I receive a formal complaint from the Care Inspectorate I will be in a position to investigate the matters but until then I can’t comment on individual allegations.”
When asked about an allegation that an employee at respite charity Gardening Leave had been banned from Rosendael, he declined to comment, referring questions to the charity itself. It was claimed they had been working closely with Mr Forrest and others when the allegations were made.
He insisted, however, that Gardening Leave is continuing to operate at Rosendael ”at the moment”.
Heather Budge-Reid, chief executive of Garden Leave, a charity providing a ”safe haven and therapy for veterans”, denied the occupational therapist had been barred from Rosendael’s premises but admitted she had been moved on to ”other duties”.
”I am aware that residents have concerns about some staff members at the home and I have discussed them with Mr Ballantyne, but only as part of our future plans and how to move forward,” she said.
”I am also aware that there was an issue with Rosendael staff accessing Gardening Leave’s computer and we are investigating that.”
Mr Forrest had previously lived in Kintore from the early 1990s and was a member of the local cricket and rugby clubs.
He worked as a propulsion technician with the air force, a role which took him to Northern Ireland and Saudi Arabia.
His parents, Lloyd and Janet, were too upset to comment. They are waiting for the procurator fiscal in Dundee to release their son’s body.
However, it is believed that they have been told by officials that the death was an accident.