A MAN needed 15 stitches to his head and had his little finger severed after an attack at a care home.

The victim, who works at the Catherine Miller House care home, in Old Leigh Road, Leigh, was said to have been hit with china mugs after a discussion about his pay.

The man’s little finger on his right hand was severed and although doctors sewed it back on, they were unsure if it could be saved. He was also left with a broken nose after he was chased from the care home and into Chalkwell Park.

Volunteers setting up the Village Green festival and passersby intervened to stop the attack.

One man, who didn’t want to be named, said: “The man who was attacked was querying his wages.

“People came from Chalkwell Park to help –alot of people saw what was going on. He was being chased all over the road. People in cars were stopping to offer help.

“He has stitches in his hand and his head, but it is more the mental scars.

“The hospital said if he hadn’t protected his head with his hands he would be brain damaged.”

The home looks after 30 elderly patients at any one time – all suffering from dementia.

A spokesman for the home, who didn’t want to named, said: “An incident occured on Thursday with regards to a member of staff.

“The member of staff was accompanied to the hospital. He sustained injuries and had some stitches to his hand. He is not at work, he is at home with his family resting. We have been in touch with them to make sure he is OK.

“The wellbeing of the residents is our main concern.”

Andrew Stern, who is listed on the care home’s website as the registered provider, was arrested in connection with the attack.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers were called at 4.30pm on Thursday, July 11, to Old Leigh Road.

“A 56-year-old man from Edgeware, Middlesex, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm without intent. He has been released on bail until September 23.”

 

SOUTHEND Council says it has “no immediate concerns” for residents of the care home.

Care Quality Commission officials and council officers have been involved after the attack on a staff member.

A Southend Council spokesman said: “Senior officers met with the Care Quality Commission yesterday to consider the long-term management of the home following the incident. Officers also made several unannounced visits to Catherine Miller House and have no immediate concerns for the wellbeing of residents.”

According to its website, the home opened in 1995 and extended in 1997. Anne and Andrew Stern took over in 2000. A Care Quality Commission statement said: “The Care Quality Commission is aware of an incident that took place at Catherine Miller House. A police investigation is ongoing and we are unable to comment further at this stage.

"Catherine Miller House is subject to the ongoing monitoring of its compliance with the national standards of quality and safety."