DEBBIE LAING SHAMES RESIDENTS IN CU PAR CARE HOME - FIFE

In December 2023, a serious incident involving Debbie Laing, a senior care worker based in Cupar, came to light, highlighting concerning conduct within the care sector. Laing, who was employed by Holmes Care Group at an unnamed facility in Cupar, was found to have engaged in behavior that was deemed inappropriate and abusive towards vulnerable residents under her care.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), the regulatory body overseeing social care professionals in Scotland, conducted an investigation into the matter. The findings revealed that on or around October 23, 2022, Laing exhibited a pattern of disrespectful and dismissive language towards residents, which raised serious concerns about her suitability to continue in her role.

According to the report, Laing was observed to have shouted at a resident who had cried out after accidentally banging her leg into a table. Her words were reportedly, “shut up,” which the SSSC described as a clear indication of a lack of patience and tolerance. The report further detailed that Laing directed a derogatory comment at another resident, telling them to “come on just put your f****** teeth in,” a remark that was considered both inappropriate and humiliating.

Additionally, during the same shift, Laing was reported to have told a third resident to “get out of the way,” a phrase that further exemplified her dismissive attitude towards the individuals in her care. The regulator emphasized that her tone and choice of words were “abusive, derogatory, and dismissive,” which could have caused emotional distress to the residents involved.

The SSSC’s investigation concluded that her conduct demonstrated a “serious lack of patience and tolerance,” and that her actions placed the residents at risk of emotional harm. Despite this, the report noted that the comments appeared to have been made out of “frustration or anger rather than vindictiveness,” suggesting a spontaneous rather than deliberate act.

In response to these findings, the SSSC decided to place a warning on Laing’s registration for a period of two years. The regulatory body also assessed that the risk of her repeating such behavior was “relatively low,” but expressed concern that the public would be “alarmed and concerned” by her actions. Laing, who had been working in the care sector for a decade without prior issues, denied the allegations during a hearing held by the SSSC.

Holmes Care Group issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to resident welfare. They explained that the incidents were brought to management’s attention by a fellow employee at Kingdom Homes, where Laing was employed at the time. Following the report, Laing was immediately suspended pending an investigation, during which she chose to resign from her position.

The care provider also stated that the incidents were isolated and not representative of Laing’s usual conduct. Nonetheless, they made it clear that such behavior has no place within their community or in the care environment. The SSSC’s decision to impose a two-year warning reflects the seriousness with which they treat such breaches of professional standards, especially when vulnerable individuals are involved.