Police drop investigation into care home deaths

An investigation into death of two care home residents has been dropped by Essex Police.

The probe was launched in July following the deaths at Runwood Homes’ Elizabeth House in Hadleigh.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “An investigation into allegations of neglect at a care home in Hadleigh has now concluded. We did not find any allegations that met the criminal threshold. It has now been passed to the Care Quality Commission.”

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Admissions to the home were restricted by the CQC in September after an inspection in July and August which rated the service ‘inadequate’ (see CQC restricts admissions to care home following inspection).

The inspection identified risks due to poor manual handling by some members of staff as well as significant improvements required in medicines management.

A spokesman for Runwood Homes said: “Elizabeth House has undergone some managerial changes and the home continues to work positively in partnership with all key stakeholders to uphold the quality care delivered within the service to all of our residents. This has been recognised by visiting professionals and residents, which is our ultimate aim.”