Elderly resident survived 'care home poisoning' which killed sister

An elderly care home resident survived a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning which killed her 86-year-old sister.

The woman, who has not been named, was reunited with family members after the incident at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, that also killed two men aged 74 and 91. 

Yesterday, police investigating the 'poisoning' released a woman, 60, under investigation.

The woman was arrested on Wednesday evening on suspicion of manslaughter after the three residents were found dead at the care home on Ulwell Road - while another seven were rushed to hospital, but are not in a serious condition.

Dorset Police have since confirmed that the woman - who was arrested to see if 'there were any actions or omissions that are believed to be grossly negligent' - has been released from custody while enquiries are ongoing.

A community leader last night revealed the horror faced by one family, after one female relative was evacuated from the care home, but her sister, also a resident, was found dead.

They told the Telegraph: 'One of the residents who died in the incident had a sister who was also in the home and was evacuated to the nearby church hall with the other residents.

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'Her family came down and were able to see their grandmother and be with her at what was an awful time for them. It was heartbreaking.' 

The three residents' deaths are currently being treated as unexplained, with officers updating families as the investigation continues.

Seven other people remain in hospital following the incident that saw the care home, which included bed bound patients, evacuated early on Wednesday morning.

It has been revealed that among those rushed to hospital was a staff member at the home. 

A police cordon remains in place with officers inspecting the property. A team from the local fire service also arrived yesterday and went into the now vacant building.

The daughter of one 82-year-old woman who was a resident in the home until this week's incident revealed those evacuated are in 'a very vulnerable position'.

She said her mother, who has dementia, has now been sent to a different care home.

'I was allowed to see my mum in the church hall. One of the carers who is quite attached to my mum went in on his day off and he was just sat there holding her hand because she knew him.

'My mum got moved out last night to another care home. She's OK but she's in a very vulnerable position. She's got no medication and she's got no clothes.'

A spokesperson for the care home said they were 'deeply saddened' and that they were 'fully co-operating' with lead agencies as the investigation continues.

SGN, the home's local gas company, said it had examined the home and had found no evidence of any gas leak. 

Charlotte Harris, 34, who worked in the care home as a teen and whose parents live opposite the site said the whole community was shaken.

The operations manager said: 'Everyone is shocked. It's a big tragedy that does not seem real and there's a lot of sadness, which will not stop today.

'Once everything has calmed down and everything has come out there will be a big mourning from the town, if there's not already. At the moment everyone is just rallying around to help.

'People were frightened yesterday. They did not know what was going on. I had no idea what was happening, but I knew it was something big.'

Charlotte was amongst those in the community who have pulled together to offer support for the residents as well as the emergency workers.

Another neighbour told MailOnline: 'We really don't know anything, all I can say is that home made a big effort to make everything so lovely and welcoming. It is just very sad.'

One man with ties to the church who asked not to be named said: 'Swanage hit the headlines yesterday and it was for all the wrong reasons. I arrived at the church around 10am and by that time it was full of professionals. There were about 15 ambulances and support vehicles.

'People were in and out all day. By teatime all the residents were gone. It's tragedy but we are a good, strong community.'

A spokesperson for Gainsborough Care Home said: 'We are deeply saddened that three residents living at our care home passed away yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences remain with their families and friends at this upsetting and difficult time.

'We are fully co-operating with lead agencies as the investigation into what has happened continues. Our priority has been to work with Dorset Council and BCP Council to safely move residents to other care homes until we are advised that they can return to the home.

'We are ensuring that those directly concerned are supported and kept up-to-date with the changing circumstances, with the necessary information and reassurance provided.

'We would like to extend our thanks to our care teams for their work in managing the situation and caring for residents during such a challenging time. We are also grateful for the kind messages received and the practical support provided from partner public sector agencies, the local community and other social care providers.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: 'The thoughts of the investigation team and wider force remain with the loved ones of those who tragically died.

'We are continuing to gather as much information as possible to give us a full picture of events during the morning of Wednesday 23 October 2024. This involves liaising with experts from partner agencies to understand the circumstances and this work will take some time to be carried out.

'Members of the public can expect to see a large multi-agency presence continue in the area over the coming days to enable us to conduct detailed enquiries. Our local officers will remain in the area to provide support.

'This tragic incident will have a significant impact on the community in Swanage. The care, compassion and respect that has been shown so far is commendable and we hope this continues over the coming days as our investigation progresses.'