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, a condition that can be caused by excessive 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 has been discharged from hospital.
The ABC has confirmed that Summitcare Wallsend in western Newcastle is the aged care facility at the centre of the police investigation.
Summitcare Wallsend says it is co-operating fully with police, and is keeping residents and relatives informed.
In a statement, Summitcare Wallsend says management and staff continue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents at all times.
Newcastle Superintendent John Gralton says Sydney 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."
The Department of Social Services is also involved in the investigation.
"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."
A report is being prepared for the Coroner.
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