MP's call for action after second care home resident dies

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has called on Essex County Council to take over control of the privately-run care home at the centre of a police investigation.

Partridge Care Home

Mr Halfon made his plea this week after a second resident of the Partridge Care Centre died almost two weeks after being admitted to hospital following a suspected insulin overdose.

The 80-year-old woman was one of three residents taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital on August 3. One of them – an 89-year-old woman from Waltham Abbey – died three days later while the other, described by police as an elderly man, remains in a “serious” condition.

It is understood that detectives are investigating the possibility that all three may have been given insulin overdoses at the home in Partridge Road.

Mr Halfon said: “Tragically there has been a second death of an elderly resident at the Partridge Care Centre.

“Given this development I am now calling for Essex County Council to take emergency measures to take control of the home so that no more lives are put at risk.”

A 36-year-old Enfield woman, believed to be a care worker at the facility, has been arrested and bailed in connection with the investigation, although police have so far refused to comment on the offences she is alleged to have committed.

Detectives are also looking into a number of “historic complaints” regarding the care and treatment of residents living at the home run by Loughborough-based Rushcliffe Care.

A police spokeswoman said this week: “The investigation, which is being carried out by a team of detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, is focusing on the circumstances leading to the three residents being taken to hospital.

“Inquiries are now focused on the long-term standards of care in the home regarding medicines given to residents.

She added: “Detectives are also considering the wider care and treatment of residents at the home as well as a number of historic complaints. Investigators have spoken to family members and residents at the care centre as part of their ongoing inquiries.”

The 117-bed care centre, which specialises in Alzheimer’s care, was awarded only one star following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission last year.

The home is now under review by both the CQC and Essex County Council, which has been providing extra help and support to the home as the police investigation continues.

After refusing to comment for the past two weeks, a spokeswoman for Rushcliffe Care said on Tuesday: “We are actively working with our partner agencies to ensure the health and well-being of our resident service users at Partridge Care Centre. This is our paramount focus.”