Carer 'left woman, 84, in bath for 30 minutes'

A CARE worker faces a crown court appearance for allegedly leaving an 84-year-old woman with dementia partially submerged in a bath for up to 30 minutes.

Natalie Gillan, of Goole's Windsor Court Care Home, was looking after one of the most vulnerable patients, Doreen Graham, who was said to be immobile, incontinent and suffering from dementia.

Beverley Magistrates' Court heard the elderly woman was hoisted into a bath but then, the prosecution says, Gillan left the room.

It is alleged she left Mrs Graham alone.

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Gillan, of Newland Road, Goole, was charged, as a carer, with ill-treating or wilfully neglecting a person who lacked mental capacity.

Prosecutor Miss Heather Levett described how Mrs Graham had been found, saying: "Doreen was slumped in her bath chair. She was partially submerged, with water lapping into her mouth."

Police were eventually involved after a complaint from Mrs Graham's daughter.

Gillan, 29, was charged under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

At yesterday's hearing, she indicated she would be indicating no plea to the charges at magistrates' court.

The purpose of the hearing was to allow the prosecution to outline the nature of the allegations so magistrates could decide whether the case should be heard by them or in the crown court.

Gillan's defence solicitor did not make any submissions to the court.

Magistrates opted to transfer the case to crown court.

Gillan will appear at Hull Crown Court on April 23.