AssetID: 55658748
Headline: Smirking care home worker sacked after filming vulnerable residents and "sharing clips on Snapchat"
Caption: WORDS BYLINE: Nicola Jordan A care home worker has apologised after filming vulnerable residents and reportedly sharing the clips over social media. Amy Hincks was sacked after bosses at Medway's Frindsbury House, which cares for adults with disabilities, learned of her actions. In one video, a man is seen making his way along a corridor using a walking aid after he appears to have soiled himself. Miss Hincks turns the camera to her own face and smirks. In another, a man, clearly agitated, is refusing to be spoon-fed by the carer at his bedside. Eventually, he shoves the food away while she persists. The 20-year-old shouts harshly at another man who is dozing in a chair to “wake up” in a third clip. She reportedly shared the footage with at least one other person over the social media platform Snapchat. The videos have been edited so none of the people affected can be identified. The home, which is in Wainscott, near Rochester, Kent, cares for up to 23 young adults with physical or learning disabilities. It was rated good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) at its last inspection. The footage was shared by Dean Fitton, who said: “My main concern is for the protection and well-being of the residents. “How would you feel if it were your loved one being filmed? “I’m not saying she harmed or mistreated anyone, but she used them for her own entertainment and then shared it with others. “The relatives need to know that their loved ones could be at risk. “They pay good money to put their trust in these people’s hands. My only goal in this is to protect those residents.” Mr Fitton shared the footage with The Mortimer Society, which runs the care home, leading to an investigation and Miss Hincks’ dismissal. When asked about the clips and the families involved, she said: “I take full responsibility for my actions. I never meant any harm, and I loved those residents. “The management at Frindsbury House took all measures required and I accept and understand the consequences. “I am so sorry to the families, and I want them to know that my actions have no bearing on how well cared for all residents are. “They are very loved and cared for by all who work at the home. My actions should not deflect from how amazing the home is.” Mortimer Society chief executive Paul Studd said: “We are firmly committed to delivering the highest standards of care. “Supporting people with respect and dignity remains a central priority for our organisation, and we take any concerns about the wellbeing of those in our care extremely seriously. “As soon as we were made aware of an incident involving certain residents, we acted swiftly and decisively. “The staff member concerned was suspended with immediate effect, and following a thorough investigation, the individual’s employment was terminated. “We have reported the matter to the CQC, safeguarding authorities and the police, and we continue to cooperate fully with all appropriate bodies. “Due to the nature of this matter and to protect the privacy and dignity of those involved, we are not in a position to comment further at this time. “The Mortimer Society remains dedicated to maintaining a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment for all those we support.” Mr Fitton also raised his concerns with the CQC, the watchdog which regulates care homes in England. A spokesman said: “We have been made aware and have been in touch with the service to confirm the appropriate steps have been taken. “We have been assured that a safeguarding concern has been raised with the local authority's safeguarding team and that the police are involved.” A Medway Council spokesman said officers knew about the allegations and the authority’s Medway Adult Social Care team has taken appropriate safeguarding action to ensure people’s safety, with inquiries ongoing. A spokesman from Kent Police confirmed an investigation was launched after the footage was reported on April 20. This week they added: “The investigation has been filed pending further information coming to light.”
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