Care regulators have launched a criminal investigation following the death of Maureen O’Callaghan, a 78-year-old resident who fell from an upstairs window at Berrycroft Manor care home in Stockport. The incident occurred on September 29, 2025, prompting renewed scrutiny of the facility’s safety practices and staffing.
Maureen O'Callaghan had been living with dementia and was moved to Berrycroft Manor earlier that year after her family was assured of 24-hour care. Despite the initial positive outlook, her condition reportedly worsened over time. Court testimony revealed that Maureen had exhibited behaviors including repeatedly throwing objects from her bedroom window and attempting to climb out of it, raising concerns about the safety precautions in place.
At the inquest held at South Manchester Coroner’s Court, inspectors and family members described the window as having a large pane with two openings sufficient for an adult to pass through. A sensor mat meant to alert staff if Maureen attempted to leave her room had been unplugged due to frequent false alarms. Coroner Jyoti Gill concluded that cognitive impairment and diminished risk awareness contributed to Maureen’s fatal fall. The coroner noted that safety risks had not been fully appreciated or addressed by the care providers or other involved agencies, although the threshold for deeming the care neglectful was not met.
Berrycroft Manor’s former manager, Michael Blissett, testified he was unaware of Maureen’s attempts to exit through the window but stated that such incidents had been discussed between mental health services, the care home, and the family. He also expressed disbelief that an adult could fit through the window opening. Blissett resigned from his position in July 2025, prior to the inquest.
The care home had faced regulatory challenges in recent years. It was rated “good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2015 and 2018, but this slipped to “requires improvement” in 2022. The rating returned to “good” in autumn 2024 after new management took over. However, a post-incident inspection by the CQC in October 2025 again downgraded the home to “requires improvement.” Inspectors identified four breaches of regulation, pointing to insufficient staffing levels—particularly at night—as well as shortcomings in risk assessments, medication administration records, and management oversight.
Separate from Maureen’s case, the care home was also investigating the death of Peggy Whyte, 95, who died weeks earlier from injuries sustained in an unwitnessed fall. The police found no suspicious circumstances in either case, but the CQC noted issues related to falls following both incidents. The ongoing criminal investigation pertains solely to Maureen O’Callaghan’s death.
Berrycroft Manor representatives expressed condolences to the families affected and accepted the coroner’s findings. They highlighted improvements made since the incident, including installing additional window restrictors, enhancing risk assessments, implementing stricter reporting protocols, and ensuring sensor mats are properly monitored and recorded at shift changes. The care home is currently under new leadership, with directors and deputy managers overseeing operations while a new registered manager is appointed.
The CQC emphasized that the investigation remains active and said they will consider the coroner’s findings to determine any further regulatory action required. They encouraged the public to report any concerns about health and social care services through official channels to help ensure patient safety and quality of care.