Three residents hospitalised and care home evacuated in early hours

Elderly and disabled people had to be woken from their sleep and evacuated from a care home in the early hours of Sunday morning (16 February) because of safeguarding concerns.

Six ambulances were sent to Kingswood Nursing Home in Worthing, in response to a call at 1.15am on 16 February.

Ambulance crews took three people to hospital. The coronavirus is not linked to the incident.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust attended a medical emergency call for a resident at a Worthing care home in Heene Road, at 1.15am on Sunday, 16 February.

"The trust is unable to comment further on the details of this emergency.

"However, please note this is not related to the Covid-19 virus.”

Paramedics entering the building found there was no heating.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors visited the care home on 17 and 18 February.

James Frewin, head of adult social care inspection in the South East for the CQC, said: "We have been made aware of some significant safeguarding concerns at Kingswood Home on Heene Road, Worthing."

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: “We are aware of a safeguarding issue at a local care home and have been working closely with NHS partners to ensure the safety and well-being of residents."

Sussex Police confirmed they are making enquiries about safeguarding concerns that have been raised in relation to residents at Kingswood Nursing Home.

Kingswood Nursing Home has been approached for comment.

The care home was rated ‘Requires Improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission last April.

Kingswood Home is registered to provide care for up to 23 people who may live with a dementia type illness or an acquired brain injury.

The home cares for younger people as well as those aged 65+. At the time of the inspection, there were 19 people living at the home.

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