Murder inquiry after six deaths at care home

POLICE have launched a murder inquiry after the deaths of six residents at a care home where inspectors raised concerns a year ago.

The residents died over a two-week period at Springwater Lodge Care Home in Calverton, Nottingham.

Two employees have been questioned by police and suspended from duty.

Detectives are treating the deaths of two residents on August 2 and 3 as suspicious and they are part of the murder probe. The deaths of four others are being looked at as part of the investigation.

Last March, inspectors from the Care Quality Commission raised concerns over the administration of medication at the home and stated that the service was “not always safe”.

The report, published last August, said: “People may not receive their medicines as intended due to errors in the handling and administration of medicines. Some areas of the home were not kept sufficiently clean.”

It stated that “safety procedures” regarding medications were “not always followed” and said the home required “improvement”.

However, it added that the company in charge had procedures in place to identify any incidents or complaints.

One death which is being investigated is that of an 84year-old woman who died on Aug 3 after having lived there for two years.

“This is our mum and we want answers,” one of her daughters said. “We’re not going to go ahead with mum’s funeral until the test results are complete.”

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “Two women arrested on suspicion of murder have been released without charge. The investigation is ongoing.” She added: “The other four deaths form part of the investigation but there is currently nothing to suggest that they are suspicious.”

The home, which is owned by care company HC-One, is a purpose-built 50-bed facility which offers dementia, nursing, residential day care and end-of-life care for people aged 60 and over.

A spokesman for the home said: “We are deeply shocked and distressed by these allegations. We are working very closely with the police while they seek to establish whether a murder took place and we will do everything we can to support their investigation.”