A CARE worker at a private nursing home in Radcliffe is fighting his sacking following an alleged "rough treatment" incident involving a patient.

One of his relatives has told the Bury Times that there is a "cover-up" and that the young man was not even on duty when the police called.

Two male staff were dismissed recently following an investigation into the alleged aggressive handling of an elderly patient at Rose Court Nursing and Residential Home. Two others received written warnings.

One of the sacked men is to argue his case at an internal disciplinary appeal.

The incident took place last month when police were called to the Water Street home after two members of staff claimed a colleague had been too aggressive when restraining an 80-year-old man.

The patient in question was unhurt in the incident and no police action was taken.

London-based home owners Harmony Healthcare immediately launched an investigation into the matter, and all three staff members were suspended while inquiries were made. Harmony Healthcare's human resources director, Mr John May, confirmed that one of the dismissed duo lodged an appeal on Wednesday (Feb 11).

He said that an appeal committee would be set up to hear his case, which would be heard by another director or senior manager of the company.

Mr May declined to comment on any detailed aspect of the case. "I won't and can't discuss that," he said. "It would prejudice the appeal and it's not fair on the individual."

And he added: "Everything has been done so far according to the rules and regulations. I expect the appeal to be conducted just as fairly."

Ms Sue Lightup, deputy director of Bury social services, said: "We are concerned about all incidents that occur in homes where we place our elderly people.

"I feel very satisfied with the action that has been taken, but we want to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again."

She added that inspectors from Bury's social services department would visit the Radcliffe nursing home soon.

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