Unit where 10 died STILL dogged by fears

SAFETY concerns are still being raised about a coronavirus-infected care home where ten residents have died.

A court case against HC-One, the firm that owns Home Farm care home on Skye, heard yesterday that care inspectors are worried about its long-term ability to manage the home properly.

The case was launched in March after it was revealed ten residents had died amid the outbreak, while 30 others and 29 staff have tested positive for Covid at the facility in Portree.

The Care Inspectorate is trying to remove HC-One as the care provider at

Home Farm after an inspection identified ‘serious and significant concerns’ about staffing and hygiene.

NHS Highland effectively took over running the facility, but details of the inspection have not yet been released.

Roddy Dunlop, QC, appeared via video link at Inverness Sheriff Court on behalf of Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland, which is pursuing the legal action. He said: ‘I’m happy to recount improvements at the home, but it would be wrong for me to suggest that the concerns of the pursuer had been completely allayed.’

A Care Inspectorate spokesman said: ‘The reason we have taken legal action is to ensure people continue to experience an improvement in care.’

The case has been continued for a further two weeks until June 24 in order for further improvements to be made at the home.

John Kirk, managing director of HC-One Scotland, said: ‘We are pleased with the outcome, which recognises the significant progress we’ve made.’