Inspectors raise 'serious concerns' about NHS-run Skye care home

Inspectors have raised "significant concerns" about the quality of care being provided at a Skye care home which was previously at the centre of a major Covid outbreak.

NHS Highland, which runs Home Farm in Portree, has been issued with an improvement notice for the home.

The health board said it was taking immediate action to address all of the issues identified by inspectors.

At least 11 people died after a Covid outbreak at the home in 2020, when it was operated by HC One.

Home Farm is registered to care for a maximum of 35 people over the age of 65.

The Care Inspectorate improvement notices states that there are issues with leadership, staffing, and safety.

They said these issues must be addressed by early July or the home's registration will be cancelled.

A spokesperson said: "We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their families and staff at the service.

"However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of people."

They added: "We are in contact with and monitoring the service to follow up on the required improvements."

Arlene Johnstone, NHS Highland's chief officer for adult social care, said she recognised the report would be concerning.

"I want to reassure people that we are taking this situation seriously and acting quickly to address the issues raised," she added.

"We have a clear and immediate improvement plan in place, with additional leadership and clinical support on-site to ensure safe and consistent care is maintained.

"We are in direct contact with residents, their families and staff to provide information, reassurance and support.

"We are sorry for the anxiety this situation may cause and are fully committed to making the necessary improvements as quickly as possible."