Residents of nursing home where three people died ‘felt safe’, report says

Family members and residents of a nursing home where three people died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning previously told inspectors that staff were “very safety conscious,” according to health watchdog reports.

At 7.16am on Wednesday, Dorset Police received a report of three residents – two men aged 74 and 91 and an 86-year-old woman – who had been found dead at Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road, Swanage.

Seven people were taken to hospital as a precaution and their condition is not serious, the force said.

Other residents at the address were evacuated and moved to other homes until they could be returned to Swanage Care Home.

The deaths are considered unexplained and detectives are still looking at possible carbon monoxide poisoning as their main line of investigation. The force said there was no wider risk to the public.

A 60-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released under investigation.

The care home’s last full inspection was by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2019, when it was rated as requiring improvement in terms of safety and well regulated due to concerns that loose furniture could be dangerous.

Following a targeted inspection in October 2021, inspectors upgraded the care home’s status for both of these categories to good.

In its report published the following month, the CQC said: “People told us they felt safe living at Gainsborough Care Home.

“Two people confirmed: “I feel safe because there is always someone there” and “I feel completely safe in this house.”

“The relatives also expressed confidence that their family members are safe. Comments included: “We are confident that (name) is safe” and “They are very security conscious.”

The report also states that residents have up-to-date personal risk assessments.

It said: “Risks to people from the fire have been kept to a minimum. Fire safety logs record regular fire drills, testing and maintenance of equipment.

“In addition, people had individual evacuation plans detailing how they would be supported in the event of a fire.”

He adds: “During the previous inspection, the home demonstrated improvements in the management of risks to occupant safety from loose furniture and audits to identify and manage risks.

“During this review we found evidence that improvement in this area was sustained and people were kept safe.

“The registered manager brought stability to the house and increased management oversight.

“People, family, staff and professionals were unanimous in their praise of the registered manager as proactive, receptive and keen to encourage everyone to contribute ideas for further improvement.

“People felt safe and happy living at Gainsborough Care Home.”

Following a previous inspection in November 2020, the CQC report said: “Since the previous inspection, the supplier has made improvements to the home’s quality assurance systems to include the safety of furniture in people’s rooms.

“The registered manager said: ‘People are definitely safer here now.’

Following an inspection in September 2020, the CQC said in its report that the home had experienced a “period of management instability” but a new manager and deputy took over in March 2020.

A spokesman for Gainsborough Care Home said in a statement released on Thursday: “We are deeply saddened that three of our care home residents passed away yesterday.

“Our sincere condolences go out to their families and friends at this worrying and difficult time.

“We are cooperating fully with leading agencies as the investigation into this incident continues.

“Our priority has been to work with Dorset Council and BCP Council to safely move residents to other care homes until we are told they can return to the home.”

The statement continued: “We are ensuring that those directly affected are supported and kept abreast of changing circumstances by providing the necessary information and reassurance.

“We would like to thank our care teams for their work in managing the situation and caring for residents at such a difficult time.

“We are also grateful for the kind messages and practical support we have received from partner public sector agencies, the local community and other social service providers.

“The home has long been a core part of the Swanage community and our residents, families and team members have been affected by this tragic incident and touched by the support they have received.”