Inquiry follows nursing home death

An inquiry has been launched by the residential home

The operators of a north Wales residential home have launched an investigation into the death of one of their residents amid speculation that she drank "cleaning fluid".

Patricia Holt, 72, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital around a week after being admitted.

Mrs Holt died at Wrexham Maelor hospital

She had been a resident of Plas Rhosnesni, a home for the elderly mentally infirm in Wrexham, for three years.

Her son, Ian Holt from Trevor near Llangollen, says a doctor at Maelor Hospital told him he was under the impression that his mother had drunk some form of cleaning fluid.

'Horrendous' death

Mr Holt described his mother's death as "horrendous", and said he was awaiting the result of a post-mortem examination.

He refused to comment when asked if he was considering legal action against the home.

A spokeswoman for Hallmark Healthcare, which runs Plas Rhosnesni, said the company is vigorously investigating what it calls a "serious accident" at one of its homes.

Operations manager Sandy Nightingale said their report would go to the Health and Safety Executive, and the relevant people would be informed of the outcome of the investigation.

She said their thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved but that they could make no further comment.