The Scotsman

Care home families demand answers

- By ANGUS HOWARTH

Families of frail elderly resi d e n t s who d i e d a t a c a r e home on the Isle of Skye after contractin­g Covid-19 are calling for answers after “ineffectiv­e” disinfecta­nts were used to help guard against the deadly virus.

The calls come following a damning report into practices at the the privately run Home Farm care home in Portree after 10 people died as the result of an outbreak.

The residence was owned and run by HC-ONE, the country’s biggest care provider, but has since been bought over by the Scottish Government.

According to reports in the Sun on Sunday, PBW Law, a legal team representi­ng relatives of the victims, has now written to HC-ONE to question why proper procedures were not followed.

They said they deser ved to know why Public Health Scotland advice was not followed, amid fears similar mistakes could have b een made at other facilities across Scotland.

A Care Inspectora­te report

into pra ctices at the Skye home reported that a chlorine -releasing disinfecta­nt was not used, despite government advice.

It also found the cleaning product in use was “ineffectiv­e” against viral agents, but didn’t specify the brand.

Reports suggest a total of 207 residents died from coronaviru­s in HC-ONE facilities across Scotland at the height of the pandemic.

S cottish Lab our's health spokeswoma­n, Monica Lennon, backed the families, saying lightning spot checks are needed at homes to ensure life -saving rules are being implemente­d.

 ??  ?? 0 Home Farm care home on the Isle of Skye
0 Home Farm care home on the Isle of Skye

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