AN investigation has been launched into a County Durham care home.

Durham County Council’s safeguarding adults team is investigating Bowburn Care Centre in Bowburn,following complaints by a resident's family.

Sonia Clynes is unhappy at the treatment given to her mother Phyllis, a former farmer's wife from Sedgefield who suffers from dementia.

After removing her mother from the home Ms Clynes is also demanding the return of clothes and a flat-screen television.

Up until last autumn, the great-grandmother had been living in her own bungalow, with Ms Clynes acting as principle carer.

Her mother, 77, was admitted to Bowburn Care Centre, owned by St Philip’s Care, in mid December, following ten weeks in hospital and a brief stay at Willowdene, where no permanent beds were available.

At the same time, Ms Clynes, 50, fell ill and was unable to visit her mother for over a week.

She claims that her mother was seriously ill when she next visited and staff seemed reluctant to call a doctor.

Mrs Clynes is now residing happily at Willowdene Care Home in Sedgefield.

A St Philip’s Care spokesperson said the company could not discuss details relating to an individual resident due to the Data Protection Act.

He said: “When relatives, residents, staff or external professionals raise concerns regarding any of our homes, we undertake a thorough investigation by a senior member of the management team to ensure our high standards and best practices are maintained.

“The concerns raised have been investigated and reviewed by safeguarding.

“St Philips Care is committed to providing the highest standards of care and quality to all the residents we care for.”

Lee Alexander, strategic safeguarding manager, Durham County Council, said: “The investigation is ongoing and the family will be kept fully informed.”