Government says care home neglect was 'appalling'

In response to an inquest that found neglect was a contributing factor in the deaths of five elderly residents at the Orchid View Care Home in West Sussex, a Department of Health spokesperson described the lack of care as "appalling".

They added: "We have made it clear that there must be a sharper focus on taking tougher action when things go wrong and holding those responsible to account.

"Confidence in the regulation regime has been shaken, but we have now turned a corner."