The CQC has launched a criminal investigation into a Surrey care home where care workers were captured on camera abusing an 88 year-old resident.

The development comes 11 months after the shocking abuse of Ann King at Signature Senior Living’s Reigate Grange was revealed by The Guardian.

A CQC spokesperson said: “We are carrying out a criminal investigation into concerns raised around the care provided to Ann King at Reigate Grange. No decision has been made on whether we will be taking any enforcement action. We will provide an update once this investigation has concluded.”

Explaining the long delay in the investigation, the CQC said it had been awaiting full footage of the video before proceeding.

A spokesperson for Signature at Reigate Grange said: “We have always been clear that the behaviour of the individuals involved in Mrs King’s care 18-months ago was reprehensible and did not represent our values or standards of care. They are no longer employed, we have apologised to the King family, and we have worked closely with the CQC and police at every stage.

“To further protect residents from the unacceptable actions of rogue individuals, we have partnered with resident advocacy group Care Campaign for the Vulnerable (CCFTV) to launch a sector-leading safety monitoring project.  

“We have long used safety monitoring technology (cameras) in communal areas at the home, and have now gone further to offer all residents living with dementia the choice of using safety monitoring technology in their bedrooms. External, independent care experts review all footage, and families can request access at any time, providing unparalleled transparency and accountability.

“We are also backing CCFTV’s campaign to make safety monitoring mandatory in all care homes, and we want to see the introduction of a professional register of care workers so that rogue individuals can be banned from working with vulnerable people. We will continue to work with residents, families, and campaigners to root out bad actors from the care sector.”