Agincare Chief Executive Raina Summerson has spoken to Air 107.2 following the closure of the police investigation (12th May 2025) which confirmed that environmental factors, including carbon monoxide, were not the cause of three deaths at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage (23rd October 2024).
A spokesperson said:
Now that the police investigation into the incident at Gainsborough Care Home has concluded, we feel it is important to speak openly and honestly in our own words.
We want to provide some context around what happened and respond to some of the concerns and questions that emerged, particularly on social media and in the press, that we were unable to address while the investigation was ongoing.
This is not an attempt to criticise anyone involved, but rather an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact the incident has had on everyone affected, especially those who sadly passed away, and their loved ones, and how damaging and far-reaching social media speculation can be.
Whilst our care homes manage care and support with people who live with increasingly complex and multiple conditions, they remain places for people to thrive in later stages of their life, or for temporary stays to give family carers respite.
The incident at Gainsborough impacted on many people directly connected to the home and also in the wider social care community, that’s why we feel it is important to speak openly about the incident.
We agreed to take part in an interview with Air 107.2, a local community interest radio station, to share this context in full with the understanding that it would be made available on the Air 107.2 website for all media outlets and the public to access.
Throughout this incident, within the constraints of the ongoing police investigation, we have kept in contact with everyone involved, and offered to meet with them now the investigation is closed.
Agincare’s thoughts remain with everyone affected, and we would like to thank the Swanage Community for their support during this time.
The interview will be available on Air FM after broadcast (08.06.25)