AN elderly woman may have been given an overdose of insulin at a Harlow care home days before her death in hospital on Saturday (August 6).
The Star has been informed by a reliable source that the drug is believed to have been improperly administered to the pensioner and two other residents of the privately-run Partridge Care Centre on Partridge Road last week.
They were rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital late last Wednesday (August 3) but the woman - whose identity is yet to be released - died three days later.
The two other patients remain in a stable condition.
Police have arrested and bailed a 36-year-old woman from Enfield - believed to be a care worker - in connection with the incident, but have refused to comment on the nature of the offences she is alleged to have committed.
A police spokesman told the Star that officers from the Kent And Essex Serious Crime Directorate were also investigating the “care and treatment” of residents at the privately-run home as well as a number of “historic complaints” made against the institution.
“Investigators have spoken to family members and residents at the care centre as part of their ongoing enquiries,” he added.
“Specialist Public Protection officers from Essex Police are also working closely with partners in the Essex Safeguarding Adults Board including the Primary Care Trust, Essex County Council, the Care Quality Commission and Partridge Care Centre in reviewing all care procedures and ensuring the highest possible standards of care for elderly and vulnerable residents.”
The home is run by Loughborough-based Rushcliffe Care. The firm has so far declined to comment on the investigation.
Anyone with any information or concerns regarding the enquiry should contact the Essex Safeguarding Adults team on 0845 6037630 (office hours) or 0845 6061212 (out of hours).
