Police Investigating River View Care Centre in Dartmouth

By Helen MacGregor

Medical law experts at Irwin Mitchell have expressed concern after it was revealed that police are investigating allegations of neglect at a recently opened care home for the elderly in Devon.

Five residents at River View Care Centre in Dartmouth, which only opened two months ago, have been moved into community hospitals amid concern for their safety.

The European Care Group, one of the UK's biggest providers, which runs the home on Victory Road, said it was carrying out a "thorough internal investigation".

The company said new management had been brought in and more staff had been employed to improve services at the £5m facility which has 80 bedrooms on four floors.

Julie Lewis, a Partner and medical law expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office, said: “We are deeply concerned to hear of allegations of neglect at the River View Care Centre, particularly as it was only opened a couple of months ago.

“Sadly, we continue to be regularly contacted by distressed families who are concerned for the care their loved ones are being given by the people employed to keep them safe.

“We welcome the police investigation and hope that all steps are being taken to protect patient safety at the home and ensure lessons are learnt from any mistakes that have been made.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise relating to medical negligence claims