CHARGES against a care worker at a Kent nursing home have triggered a wider investigation.

Two members of staff have been suspended and several others relieved of their duties following allegations of abuse.

Other staff at the Frank Lloyd Nursing Home in Bell Road, Sittingbourne, were told about the developments at a meeting called by Swale Primary Care Trust.

Staff nurse Harry Perera, 56, of William Street, Sittingbourne, pleaded not guilty to two charges of intentionally touching a woman with a mental disorder in a sexual manner on March 28, when he appeared before town magistrates last Monday.

He was remanded on conditional bail until June 13, for committal proceedings to the crown court. His arrest was the trigger for the trust to call in the Healthcare Commission to assess the quality of services at the NHS-run home, which is next to Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital.

The trust immediately brought in a new management team as a result of the commission’s findings.

The assessment indicated some aspects of care in the home were below required standards, including the allegations of abuse, which are being investigated.

Primary Care Trust chief executive Marion Dinwoodie said: “Our priority at this time is the well-being and safety of all residents, and I am confident that this is in good hands with the new management team.

A police spokesman said: “We are working with the Primary Care Trust and the Healthcare Commission in relation to this matter.”

The home has recently been under the spotlight of the Swale Patient Public Involvement Forum, the local health watchdog.

Member Roy Stiles said: “We went in there earlier this year as PEAT – the Patient Environment Action Team. We thought there were areas of cleanliness that needed attention, but were not aware of any allegations of abuse.

“Residents were full of praise for the staff. I am pleased, though, that the primary care trust is taking action.”