The provincial government is ordering a Toronto nursing home not to accept new patients for the next month as the chief coroner investigates the deaths of two residents.

The Ministry of Health says Leisureworld Caregiving Centre's O'Connor Gate residence cannot admit new patients for 30 days.

In a news release, the ministry said it was taking the unusual step "due to numerous areas of non-compliance with provincial long-term care home legislation" at the nursing home.

Health Minister George Smitherman told a news conference at Queen's Park on Thursday the ministry expects to use the time to make speedy improvements.

"Rather than challenge the home with bringing new residents into that environment at present, we ask them to spend their energy on taking corrective action as indicated by the compliance officials and ministry officials responsible for compliance will be present in the home, working with the home, and seeking to see the progress that we expect," said Smitherman.

"Admissions can be reinstated at the point that we see substantial, appropriate, progress."

In recent weeks, one resident died after an accident involving a lift device, while another died after choking on the restraint that held her in her wheelchair.