Two ambulance employees have been arrested over the deaths of six adults, police have mentioned.
The investigation was launched in 2023 and final yr a person in his 30s, from West Wiltshire, was arrested on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and 4 counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care employee.
A 59-year-old lady was additionally arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in March this yr. Police have solely launched particulars of the investigation and arrests now.
The 2 South Western Ambulance Service employees have been launched on bail, Wiltshire Police mentioned.
“We are able to affirm a serious investigation is below approach regarding a number of grownup deaths in and round Wiltshire,” mentioned Det Ch Insp Phil Walker from the power’s main crime workforce.
“Our focus is on supporting the households and family members of those that have died,” he added.
Det Ch Insp Walker mentioned the investigation has been ongoing since an preliminary report in 2023. The person in his 30s was arrested in June 2024.
“Detailed inquiries have been undertaken since to establish the info,” he added.
A spokesperson for the ambulance service mentioned it began an inside investigation as quickly because it grew to become conscious of considerations and had since been “working carefully” with police.
The service mentioned the 2 employees have been “instantly relieved of all duties, together with the therapy of sufferers,” including one of many people is now not employed by the belief.
“We wish to reassure folks that that is an remoted state of affairs and there’s no ongoing threat to sufferers. Please proceed to name 999 in a life-threatening emergency,” the spokesperson added.
Based on the Crown Prosecution Service, the offence of gross negligence manslaughter requires the breach of an present obligation of care, which provides rise to a severe and apparent threat of loss of life.
South Western Ambulance Service was most lately inspected by well being watchdog the Care High quality Fee in 2022 and was rated as “good”, having made enhancements since earlier inspections.
The belief was rated as “excellent” for care and “good” for its response occasions, effectiveness and management.
Its emergency and pressing care providers was rated as requiring enchancment.
