Toll from Sydney nursing home blaze rises to seven

SYDNEY: A seventh elderly person died Monday following an inferno at a Sydney nursing home, said police, who are expected to lay more charges against a staff member already facing multiple counts of murder.

The latest victim, an 82-year-old man, died in a hospital north of Sydney on Monday morning, three days after a deadly blaze ripped through the Quakers Hill Nursing Home housing mainly infirm and elderly residents.

Dozens were injured and several remain in a critical condition.

Roger Dean, 35, a nurse at the home, has been charged with four counts of murder over the suspicious blaze and police said "further charges are expected."

New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell has ordered a review of criminal screening of staff at all the state's nursing homes and an audit of buildings at the aged care facilities in the wake of the tragedy.

Dean had been hailed a hero after appearing before news media outside the home as firefighters battled to contain the flames, telling reporters he "just quickly did what I could to get everyone out".

A memorial service will be held for the victims on Wednesday at Quakers Hill Anglican Church. Dean is due to appear in court on Thursday. (AFP)