A CARE home in Christchurch was subject to a police investigation after the unexpected death of a resident had not been handled appropriately.

Inspectors were also called in to Newtown House in Waterford Road, Highcliffe after concerns had been raised to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

An urgent visit in January was sparked after two incidents concerning the safe management of medicines and an unexpected death, which was being investigated by police.

A previous inspection in October 2018 identified several areas that needed to be addressed with the home in a breach of regulations. Last month, it was found that changes had not been implemented, with breaches continuing.

A report following the recent CQC three-day visit to Newtown House said: "There had been an unexpected death at the service and the correct processes had not been followed which included notifying the police."

The report found improvement was required to ensure the service was safe, effective, responsive and well-led.

"Risks to people had not always been assessed, monitored or reviewed," the inspector said.

"Medicines were not always administered safely. A person had received an incorrect dose and the persons GP and the local safeguarding team had not been informed. That meant any associated safety risks had not been considered by the appropriate professionals.

"One person had complex symptoms and had medicine prescribed for ‘as and when’. "There was no protocol in place to ensure the persons symptoms were managed effectively."

Accident and incidents had been recorded but not reviewed which meant lessons had not always been learned, according to the inspector.

The work of staff was deemed to provide a good rating for the caring element of the service.

At the time of the inspection there was not a registered manager in post.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At 2.28pm on Sunday 6 January 2019 Dorset Police received a report of an unexpected death of a woman aged in her 90s at Newtown House in Waterford Road, Highcliffe.

"An investigation has been carried out to establish the circumstances of the death. At this stage no offences have been identified and Dorset Police are continuing to liaise with the coroner."

They added: "On 4 December 2018 we received an unrelated report of theft of medicine from the same address. An investigation was conducted but no arrests were made."

The Quality Care Group, which runs the home, did not respond to the Daily Echo's request for comment.