Crawley's Orchid View care home to close amid probe
A West Sussex care home at the centre of a police investigation into alleged ill-treatment and neglect is to close, its operator has said.
Southern Cross said the focus on Orchid View care home in Copthorne had become "counter-productive".
Sussex Police said this week that two members of staff, a 54-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man, had been arrested following allegations.
The care home, near Crawley, is home to 11 residents with dementia.
In a statement, the company said: "It is with considerable regret that Southern Cross has taken the difficult decision to instigate an orderly closure of Orchid View.
'Mis-application of medication'
"The recent, continued focus on the home, its residents and staff by a wide range of parties has become counter-productive.
"Southern Cross considers that it is now in the best interests of the home's residents to support them in relocating to alternative accommodation."
The two members of staff were arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment and neglect contrary to the Mental Health Act 2007 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Sussex Police said the woman, from Godstone in Surrey, and the man, from Burgess Hill in West Sussex, have been bailed until 14 November.
Officers said they were investigating allegations relating to a small number of residents and the suspected "mis-application of medication".
Southern Cross said talks will be held with residents and their families to help bring about the home's closure "in the most timely and professional manner possible".