Service Held to Commemorate Deceased Care Home Residents

A church service has been conducted to remember three individuals who passed away suddenly at a care facility. An 86-year-old woman and two men, aged 74 and 91, were discovered deceased at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage on Wednesday morning. A 60-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter and subsequently released as investigations proceed. During the remembrance service held at the town’s All Saints Church on Sunday, the Reverend Jo Levasier described it as an “opportunity to pause, to remember people and to pray for those who are still bereaved”. She mentioned receiving numerous cards through the post from individuals across the country “saying they wanted to pass on their love and care to those who are bereaved”. Dorset Police had previously stated they were investigating carbon monoxide as a potential cause of the fatalities. Seven people were transported to hospital for precautionary examinations after emergency services were summoned to the residence on Ulwell Road at 05:20 GMT on Wednesday. Approximately 40 residents from the home, some requiring wheelchairs, were initially moved to All Saints Church before being relocated to temporary accommodation situated in Dorset, Hampshire, and West Sussex. Addressing the congregation, many of whom had assisted at the church on Wednesday, Rev Levasier remarked: “I felt so privileged to be at church with you all.” She further stated: “Church isn’t just a Sunday thing, it’s being around whenever they’re needed, all week, so it was lovely to be able to see the love and action on Wednesday and people really rose to the challenge.” Dorset councillor Steve Robinson also spoke at the service, thanking residents for “the profound compassion that people were showing”. Heather Lightowler, one of the volunteers who offered assistance on Wednesday, noted that there had been “a lot of hustle and bustle” but that “everyone pulled together and there was a really good community spirit”. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.