An 85-year-old man died less than 36 hours after being moved out of a failing care home which was suddenly shut last week by watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It shut Merok Park, in Park Road, Banstead, last Tuesday after discovering its elderly residents - many of whom were dementia sufferers - were at a "significant risk of harm" and its owners had repeatedly failed to make necessary changes.

The body, which is charged with inspecting health and social care services across the country, said it had discovered that people were being washed with cold water, that the under-staffed care home stank of urine and that carers were working there without criminal records checks.

FROM YESTERDAY: Closure of second care home owned by couple who ran 'failing' Merok Park

While the CQC advised Surrey County Council and Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group of its decision on the Friday before the closure, December 5, residents and relatives were not informed about the shut down until the day arrived.

The 85-year-old man was moved to Warrengate Nursing Home, in Kingswood, where it is understood he died.

It is believed that he leaves behind a wife, son and two daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Julia Graystone, whose aunt was a resident at Merok Park, said: "The gentleman who moved from Merok Park with her died the next night.  

"He was too weak to survive the move.

"I hope the owners of this home feel shame that they have forced this on our elderly, vulnerable people.

"To see so many old people crying and scared is not something I would wish to see ever again.

"My aunt is not coping well with the move.  

"She is very depressed and has started to suffer pain in her feet again despite the fact she has no legs - they were amputated this year. 

"I wish the staff well."

Les Shields, from Epsom, said he was deeply worried that the upheaval of the residents - including his 78-year-old father - could put the lives of its residents at risk.

He said: "Some of them could die because of this.

"This is a massive upheaval for these people. Many of them are institutionalised and confused."

The Epsom Guardian attempted to contact Warrengate Nursing Home several times to discuss this issue. When it finally got through this afternoon a member of staff hung up without responding.

This newspaper is waiting for Surrey County Council to respond to several queries about Grantley Court and its closure. 

Do you know more? Contact Hardeep Matharu on the newsdesk by calling 020 8722 6346 or emailing hmatharu@london.newsquest.co.uk.