THE family of a handicapped woman found bruised after allegedly being abandoned for up to 16 hours in a care home have told of their trauma.

Three care workers at a nursing home in Hartlepool have been suspended following the allegations.

The identity of the staff can not be revealed for legal reasons.

It is said the 50-year-old was left to fend for herself after she fell on the floor during a weekend break in the Lake District with some of the home's care staff.

The police and the National Care Standards Commission are looking into the allegation.

The woman's sister and brother-in-law, who did not wish to be named, told The Northern Echo the situation had been traumatic.

They said: "We are very, very upset to think this could have happened.

"Up to now, she has always had good care and it is awful to think she could have been let down this badly. However, we will wait for the inquiry."

A spokesman for the company that runs the Hartlepool nursing home, which cannot be identified for legal reasons. said the woman was fine and did not have to go to hospital.

He said the company, which runs nursing homes across the North-East, was liaising with the family.

He said: "We can confirm that three members of staff have been suspended, which is normal procedure.

"We are obviously concerned and are taking the situation very seriously. We are co-operating with everyone concerned."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police confirmed a complaint had been received and was being looked into.

He said: "We can confirm that there is an inquiry into an allegation of neglect against a resident from the home which allegedly happened on a weekend break in the Lake District recently."

Hartlepool Borough Council has a contract with the firm and has been informed of the matter.

A council spokesman said: "We are aware that there is a joint investigation being carried out by the National Care Standards Commission and the police and we will await the outcome."