Nursing boss Christine Hayes failed to protect residents

A former nursing home director failed to protect vulnerable people in her care, a hearing has ruled.

Christine Hayes was the director of nursing at the Caerphilly Local Health Board between 2003 and 2006.

She kept moving people to the Brithdir Care Home near Bargoed despite knowing of serious concerns over standards and failed to put sufficient safeguards in place.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council found seven misconduct charges proved.

During the hearing, which lasted several weeks, the disciplinary panel was told how residents had suffered from pressure sores and poor nutrition.

At the time, Caerphilly council was responsible for funding nursing home placements in the area and Mrs Hayes had responsibility for commissioning care.

Concerns were raised about Mrs Hayes' actions during a major investigation by Gwent Police into allegations of neglect in care homes, called Operation Jasmine.

The £11.6m police inquiry collapsed when the former owner of the Brithdir home, Dr Prana Das, was declared unfit to stand trial as a result of a brain injury suffered in a violent burglary.

The Brithdir home is now under new management.

The NMC panel will meet at a later date to determine what sanction to take against Mrs Hayes.