Mystery death at care home prompts security upgrade

A mystery death has prompted a security upgrade at a council-run care home.

Sandra Moon, 65, fell down stairs at Russets Care Home in Portsmouth on 26 July 2025 and died six days later in hospital.

Hampshire coroner Sarah Whitby said it was doubtful that the victim, who was strapped into a wheelchair, could have entered the stairwell on her own.

Portsmouth City Council said it had secured the stairwell and the death remained unexplained. Hampshire Police said it did not carry out a criminal investigation.

Moon had never previously entered the stairwell during her 11 years at the home, the coroner said.

"The deceased had some learning difficulties and significant health issues, but was aware of danger," Whitby added, in a Prevention of Future Deaths report.

"Her ability to enter the stairwell of her own accord are in doubt and is not known if another person opened the stairwell door to enable access."

Portsmouth City Council said its thoughts remained with the victim's family.

In a statement, it said: "A range of improvements have been implemented at Russets Care Home, including enhanced access controls, stairwell door alarms, strengthened risk assessment processes and additional governance oversight.

"We have also reviewed stairwell risks across our other adult social care settings and shared learning more widely through safeguarding and professional networks."