Care home death investigated at Pontcanna House, Cardiff

A 96-year-old woman has died following an incident believed to have involved a lift shaft at a residential care home in Cardiff.

Officers were called to Pontcanna House in Llandaff Road, Canton, shortly before 09:20 GMT on Tuesday.

The woman was a resident at the private care home, which caters for older people.

A member of staff was also injured and is receiving hospital treatment, said police.

“Police were called to a residential care home in the Llandaff Road area of Cardiff shortly before 9.20am on Tuesday, 6th March following reports that a 96-year-old woman had died following an incident within the home,” South Wales Police said in a statement.

“The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and an investigation is under way into her death.”

Next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

A Cardiff council spokesperson said: “As the enforcing authority, environmental health officers from public protection are currently working with South Wales Police investigating a fatality at a privately owned residential care home in Cardiff.”

The ambulance service confirmed it had been called to an incident at 08:59 GMT.

The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) said it had been formally notified of the incident which it described as “tragic”.

In a statement the CSSIW said: “The police and the Health and Safety Executive will be leading the initial investigations in this matter.

“The local authority is offering support to residents, families and staff who have all been deeply shocked by this incident.”

An inspection report in 2010 said the home accommodated 31 people in the category of dementia care for older people.