Police launch probe into deaths of 3 residents
POLICE have launched inquiries at a Scottish care home where ten residents have died during the coronavirus outbreak.
Officers are focusing on the deaths of three elderly women who are among the victims at Home Farm, on the Isle of Skye.
The move could lead to criminal prosecutions for the first time in relation to the hundreds of Covid-19 deaths in Scotland’s care homes.
The country’s chief prosecutor announced this month that all deaths from coronavirus of key workers and care home residents would be studied to establish whether further action should be taken or more inquiries held. Last night, Police Scotland confirmed it had launched an investigation into the deaths of three women, aged 84, 86 and 88, at Home Farm.
Ten residents have so far died from Covid-19, while tests showed that another 30, and also 29 staff, had been infected with the virus.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘We can confirm we are investigating the circumstances of the deaths of three women, aged 84, 86 and 88, at
Home Farm care home on Skye. Inquiries are continuing.’ Home Farm owner HC-One is already involved in a civil dispute with the Care Inspectorate, which has sought the cancellation of the firm’s licence due to alleged negligence.
A decision on its registration will be taken by a sheriff in Inverness next month.
Last night, Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw said the latest developments were ‘extremely worrying’ and ‘will alarm staff, patients and their families’, adding: ‘Devastated families and dedicated care workers need answers.’
The Lord Advocate, James Wolffe, QC,
announced this month the Crown Office was setting up a unit to examine Covid-19 deaths. Investigators will try to establish whether any fatalities were avoidable.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: ‘The reason police will be involved in Home Farm is as a consequence of the decision the Lord Advocate took – that deaths in care homes from Covid-19 should be reported through the procurator fiscal process.’
A spokesman for HC-One said: ‘We are committed to co-operating fully with any investigations.’