NHS Highland forced to intervene to help Skye care home at the centre of a Covid-19 outbreak after 'serious concerns' were raised by the Care Inspectorate
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NHS Highland has been forced to effectively start "running" the Skye care home at the centre of a major outbreak of Covid-19 that has claimed the lives of seven people.
An unannounced visit by the Care Inspectorate of the HC-One owned Home Farm “raised serious concerns” prompting the health board's intervention.
With 30 out of 34 residents and 29 staff having tested positive for Covid-19, the health board agreed to provide enhanced assistance by deploying additional resources.
That will include social care management, nursing leadership and direct care with immediate effect to improve the quality of care for the residents.
Local MSP Kate Forbes wrote on social media: “There are serious concerns about the home itself and the way that the private provider HC-One has been operating the home.
“That has been confirmed by the Care Inspectorate's inspection. Issues have been identified by the Care Inspectorate of a concerning nature.
“That is why NHS Highland has essentially moved into running the home, providing management, nursing and direct care in Home Farm to ensure that residents and patients are getting the best possible care during this difficult time.
“Since the outbreak was first announced, NHS Highland have been offering staffing support, but they confirmed that they are providing a lot more than just helping with staffing cover because of the concerns identified by the Care Inspectorate.”
The latest development comes after a January report by the Care Inspectorate found failings in infection control policies.
It stated: “People experiencing care should have confidence in the organisation and infection control policies and procedures are adhered to ensuring people are not at risk.
“In order to achieve this the provider must ensure the environment is hygienically cleaned to an acceptable standard and all areas are malodour free.
“Cleaning protocols in all areas of the premises must be adhered to and regular deep cleaning is carried out.”
The report recorded some improvement noted that “the sample we looked at were poorly completed and the services own quality assurance system was not being followed.”
HC-One welcomed NHS Highland’s assistance with managing director John Kirk saying: “The situation at Home Farm has evolved rapidly over the past week and we have been incredibly grateful for the support that NHS Highland has provided to us during this time to ensure continuity of care to all residents at Home Farm.
“As we take further action to respond to the situation at Home Farm, we look forward to a deeper partnership with NHS Highland as the priority for everyone is making sure residents receive the very best care.”
NHS Highland chief executive Paul Hawkins said: “NHS Highland has responded to the request from the Care Inspectorate and from HC-One to provide support in improving and sustaining the appropriate quality of care for residents and the necessary assistance in this difficult situation.
“We will work closely with the Care Inspectorate and HC-One Senior management.”
