Striving to ensure care is of high quality

Sir,

In reply to Councillor George Freeman’s letter (The Oban Times, October 19), I can reassure him that the Health and Social Care Partnership has been involved for some time in supporting McKenzie Care at the Lynn of Lorne care home.

This has been both in response to the latest and previous reports from the Care Inspectorate, as well as monitoring carried out by health and social care officers locally.

I share the disappointment many have expressed regarding the quality of care provided at this particular establishment. I wish to see all those requiring care being delivered that of the highest possible quality – whether from external providers or that delivered in-house. Where anyone feels that care has not met expectations, I would be more than happy to meet them and discuss any concerns they may have.

The Care Inspectorate, as the independent regulator of social care services across Scotland, has a responsibility to publicly report on the quality of care, and support and encourage the development of services.

In Argyll and Bute, independent providers are responsible for many areas of service provision. They have the absolute freedom to run services in the way they feel is best to deliver quality person-centred care in a safe and secure environment.

However, when these services are then assessed and areas for improvement are identified, Argyll and Bute will work together with the Care Inspectorate to assist the provider in bringing the service up to expected standards.

As a point of clarity, I would also like to correct Councillor Freeman’s assertion that I am the chairman of the Integration Joint Board – this position rotates between appointees of the council and NHS Highland, and Robin Creelman, as an NHS Highland non-executive board member, is currently chairman of the IJB while I serve as vice-chairman. Kieron Green, Councillor, Oban North and Lorn.