Suffolk care home closed after inspection

15 elderly people have been re-homed after Orme House in Lowestoft, Suffolk was closed by inspectors Credit: ITV Anglia

A care home in Suffolk has been closed after an inspection by environmental health officers.

15 elderly residents were moved out of Orme House in Lowestoft on Thursday evening after conditions there were described by Suffolk County Council as 'simply unacceptable'. They were all re-homed in three nearby care homes last.

Environmental health officers are continuing to search the entire property and its contents to gather evidence for their investigation. It all began with concerns over health and safety when the environmental health team was contacted 22 February. From the information they were given they didn't believe there was an immediate risk but their views changed when they visited the home a week later. Within an hour of arriving various agencies, including the police were involved.

Orme house is privately owned, specialising in the care of people with Alzheimer's and dementia. Last year's inspection by the Care Quality Commission didn't raise any concerns. The owner of the home didn't respond to a request from ITV Anglia for an interview.