Poison inquiry home told to close

Leigh and Rachel Baker were both arrested after Ms Cox's death

A residential care home has been ordered to close following allegations a resident aged 97 was poisoned.

Lucy Cox died at the Parkfields home at Butleigh near Glastonbury, Somerset, on New Year's Day.

Rachel and Leigh Baker, who work at the home, were arrested following Ms Cox's death and later released on bail.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) said it had cancelled the home's registration because the owners had failed to improve standards.

Mrs Baker, 45, a registered nurse at the care home, was arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance.

Six deaths

Her husband Leigh, 48, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the administration of a noxious substance.

Police are investigating Ms Cox's death, but it has been reported that as part of routine investigations, another six deaths are being looked at.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "A number of issues surrounding the care of residents at the home are being investigated."

The investigation is being carried out jointly with the CSCI.

Registration cancelled

A CSCI spokeswoman said certain matters were brought to its attention in early January.

"Because the owners had failed to improve standards since the January inspection we have issued a notice to cancel their registration which will effectively close the home," she said.

Somerset County Council said it had been working closely with the CSCI investigation to ensure that appropriate and safe care was available to all of the current residents at Parkfields Residential Care Home.

In a statement, Miriam Maddison, Director of Adult Social Services, said; "During this time, we have been able to complete individual care assessments with every resident to ensure that we have an up to date picture of their care needs.

"We are working with CSCI to ensure that appropriate information is readily available to residents and their families."

No-one from Parkfields was available for comment on Thursday afternoon.