Two nursing home residents die after suffering hypoglycaemia at Newcastle in ... - ABC Local

By Carly Cook

Updated October 30, 2013 15:50:20

A police strike force has been established to investigate the suspicious deaths of two residents at a Newcastle aged care facility.

Police have confirmed both people died after suffering from hypoglycaemia, with reports they were injected with insulin.

An 83-year-old woman was admitted to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital last week, but died a few days later.

Another elderly patient died earlier this week.

A third resident suffering the same symptoms has recovered and been discharged from hospital.

Newcastle Superintendent John Gralton says homicide detectives have been called in to assist.

"The two patients presented at the John Hunter Hospital with symptoms of hypoglycaemia, and later died," he said.

"As I said the deaths are being treated as suspicious unless determined otherwise. I can assure you ladies and gentlemen that no stone will be left unturned, and our detectives will be working feverishly to make sure that we get the result that we require."

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

The Department of Social Services has confirmed police are investigating a Newcastle aged care home.

"We are liaising with the home and the police to ensure there are appropriate safeguards in place to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents," a spokeswoman said in a statement.

"As the matter is subject to a police investigation it is not appropriate to provide any further comment."

Topics: murder-and-manslaughter, aged-care, newcastle-2300, sydney-2000

First posted October 30, 2013 13:00:52