NHS to take over virus-hit nursing home
A CARE home where 10 residents died during the Covid pandemic will be taken over by the NHS.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman confirmed the Government was funding the £900,000 purchase of Home Farm in Portree, Skye which will be run by NHS Highland.
Newly published inspection reports revealed concerns about the HC-One run home, including claims the residents were lying in urine and faeces.
Thirty residents out of 40 and 29 staff tested positive for Covid-19 during the outbreak.
The Care Inspectorate took legal action to have HC-One’s registration removed following “serious concerns” about the quality of care.
But the action was dropped last month following improvements.
However, Care Inspectorate reports dating back to May said there were some concerns some people were not being treated with respect.
Doors were left open while residents received personal care, food was left round mouths after eating and one person who was upset was described as “attention seeking”.
Some residents were also reported to have been lying in urine and faeces, including occasions when the urine and faeces had dried, posing health risks.
Freeman said: “I am pleased to announce that the wellbeing of the current residents at Home Farm, which has been a priority for the Scottish Government, has been secured by NHS Highland.”
Monica Lennon called the decision to purchase the care home “a welcome intervention”.
The Care Inspectorate applauded the move but added: “It is important to stress we have seen evidence the quality of care experienced by residents at Home Farm has improved in recent months.”