Care home patients 'left dead in bed for days'

The manager of a London care home has been suspended amid claims that residents were left dead in their beds for days. Private company Care UK acted after the scandal at Lennox House in Holloway.

It emerged last week that Winifred Staines, 97, was left dead in her room for two days at the height of summer.

Relatives now say another resident, 68-year-old Elsie Walford, was also left dead in bed for almost three days.

Islington council has ordered an immediate investigation.

Care UK has drafted in an experienced manager to run the home while it investigates the allegations.

Mrs Walford's daughter Mandy Fahey, 41, said: "A staff member said if they die on a Friday, they keep them over the weekend with fans on." Mrs Walford's sister Carol Kendall said: "It's a lack of respect. What happens to patients when they die should be reviewed. They need to be afforded the dignity of being moved straightaway."

Terry Stacy, deputy leader of Islington council, said the delays were " distressing and unacceptable".