Three members of staff at a Catholic care home for the elderly have been suspended and a police investigation started after the death of a resident, it was confirmed today.
Augustinian Care said it was co-operating with the investigation into the death of 96-year-old Sarah Josephine Smith at St Peter's care home in Plympton St Maurice, near Plymouth, Devon.
Ms Smith, known as Sadie, died at the city's Derriford Hospital in January after being hurt in a fall at the home in December last year, the company said.
"We would like to extend our condolences to the family for what was a tragic accident at St Peter's care home," a spokesman said.
"An investigation into the incident is under way which we are fully co-operating with. Three staff have been suspended pending the outcome."
The company's website describes St Peter's as a Grade I-Listed building standing in 14 acres of grounds in the village.
"It has a unique walled garden which provides a marvellous variety of fruit, vegetable, flowers and plant that are used in the care home," it says.
"The home is run by a home manager who oversees the care home and takes an active part in the day to day running and she is supported by Sisters who offer pastoral care to the residents."
Augustinian Care has five other homes caring for the elderly and mentally ill, four in East Sussex and one in Buckinghamshire.
The nuns at the home are part of the Sisters of St Augustine, which according to the company website was formed in the mid-19th century to care for the mentally and physically ill.
The website added: "The Sisters have continued to care for those that need it ever since."