The Ministry of Health has launched an internal investigation into the death of Sylvia Richardson Care Facility resident Vernon Martin.

Mr. Martin, 65, from St. George's, sustained head and spine injuries when he fell from a balcony at the St. George's building on Tuesday, and later died in hospital.

Chief Medical Officer John Cann has set up a review team comprising the Chief Nursing Officer, Project Manager of the Department of Health, Child Health Coordinator and an Environmental Health and Safety Officer.

The probe will work in tandem with the ongoing Police investigation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are firmly with the family of Mr. Martin at this time," said Health Minister Michael Scott in a statement.

"I have personally written to them to express the sympathy of the Ministry in general and the staff and clients of the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility specifically. I have also assured them that the Ministry will carry out its own internal investigation into this matter."

Mr. Scott said the team would review the circumstances surrounding Mr. Martin's death to see if it could have been handled better and to make recommendations to prevent a repeat incident.

He said no further comment would be made until after a likely inquest has taken place.