By Tony O’Reilly-
The Coroner’s office has been asked to investigate why 20 people at a Co Tyrone care home died shortly after being transferred from the facility, the Belfast Telegraph reported.
The Eye Of Media.Com has confirmed that the report will be taken up.
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The request follows deep anger of families and loved ones over the mysterious deaths. The framework of the investigation has not been fully decided, but it is expected to examine all aspects of the matter.
The health minister said those who died had pre-existing conditions and there was no evidence their deaths were connected to their transfer out of the facility.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland(PSNI) has already ruled out a criminal investigation into deaths of residents who had recently been transferred out of a Co Tyrone care home, when the case was first reported.
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A report was made to the PSNI, following concerns by relatives of residents who died in the immediate aftermath of being transferred from the Valley Nursing Home in Clogher following its closure.
Following an inspection in October 2020, the health watchdog, the RQIA, identified what it described as serious concerns in relation to the safety and effectiveness of resident care and it was ordered to close.
The health minister said those that died had pre-existing conditions and there was no evidence their deaths were connected to their transfer out of the facility.
Families called for an investigation to determine the facts surrounding what happened while their loved ones were at the home. Police had earlier ruled out a criminal investigation following a report in March 2019.
The PSNI confirmed that after it had “reviewed all available information and, based on the information provided, a criminal investigation will not be carried out.”
It was forced to close in January 2021 with 53 residents transferred to other facilities.
Serious cases are reported to a Coroner when a doctor did not treat the person during their last illness
a doctor did not see or treat the person for the condition from which they died within 28 days of death
the cause of death was sudden, violent or unnatural such as an accident, or suicide.
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