Leighton Hospital
Nursing home death: We are not to blame
OWNERS of a care home have spoken of their distress over a police probe into a former resident's death.
Sandiway Lodge Residential Home is under investigation following an inconclusive postmortem on the 89-year-old.
Police were alerted by Leighton Hospital under council guidelines but Sandiway Lodge's owners claim they have no case to answer and that staff have been shocked by the 'intrusive nature' of the investigation.
Maggie Carruthers-Parr, who runs the home with husband Graham Parr, said: 'They have not found us guilty of anything. It is still hanging over us but the main damage has already been done.
'The staff know they have done nothing wrong and they are distraught that their best efforts are being questioned.'
Following a four-day investigation at the home, police are continuing their inquiries.
It is understood the pensioner was admitted to Leighton on December 29 in what the nursing home classes as a 'routine emergency admittance' and she died less than 24 hours later.
Mr Parr insisted: 'There was no incident at the home. If the police had any suspicion that there was any malpractice here at all then the place would have been shut down.'
A letter has been sent to relatives of the 33 residents of Sandiway Lodge, assuring them the home is cooperating with the investigation.
Mr Parr added: 'The family [of the deceased] are distraught that they cannot put their mum to rest. I spoke to them at length and offered my condolences.'
Police confirmed they are still making inquires and awaiting the results of a second postmortem.