POLICE are investigating the death of a woman from the district as part of a probe into the care home where she was living.
The 89-year-old from Waltham Abbey died on August 6 at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, after being admitted from the Partridge Care Centre, also in Harlow.
A post-mortem examination has taken place, but further tests are due to be done to find out how the woman died.
An 80-year-old woman died at the hospital on Wednesday (August 17) after being taken there from the home and a third resident, a man, is in a serious condition.
There are unconfirmed reports that the residents were given insulin overdoses.
A 36-year-old woman from Enfield has been arrested and is on police bail until October 4.
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation at the beginning of the month after concerns were raised over care at the home in Partridge Road.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “The investigation is focussing on the circumstances leading to the three residents being taken to hospital.
“Enquiries are now focussed on the long-term standards of care in the home, regarding the medicines given to the residents.
“Detectives are also considering the wider care and treatment of residents at the home, as well as historic complaints.”
Essex County Council, which is responsible for safeguarding vulnerable adults, has launched its own investigation and has stopped the home taking on any more residents until this has finished.
Ann Naylor, the county councillor responsible for adults, health and community wellbeing, said: “Essex County Council initially put intensive support into the home so we could ensure residents security and safety and avoid the need to move clients unnecessarily and against their wishes.
“We are continuing to work proactively with the home’s staff and the providers, Rushcliffe, on an action plan of improvement to look to raising standards on the future delivery of care.
“While the majority of residents and their relatives have expressed a wish to stay at Partridge Care Home, those residents who have requested to move are being supported and further discussions will be held with their families to find suitable, alternative accommodation.”
The Guardian has asked Ruschcliffe Care Group, which runs the home, to comment.
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