Locals' petition over future of Mo Dhachaidh care home in Ullapool builds momentum

A PETITION created in response to the closure of Ullapool care home, Mo Dhachaidh, has already gained over 500 signatures.

The Lochbroom community are calling for action on the closure which affects the whole north–west Highlands, with open letters urging MSPs to take action, as well as a petition calling for the nursing home to be restored.

Parklands Care Homes had sparked a shocked response when it announced Mo Dhachaidh care home, which they had taken over last August, would close.

The company flagged some of the toughest economic conditions in decades for its decision which it said was taken with the deepest of regret. NHS Highland has been working with it to find suitable spaces for residents.

RELATED:Final residents leave Ullapool's Mo Dhachaidh care home ahead of closure

Locals have expressed deep concerns over the future of rural social care, as Mo Dhachaidh was one of the two nursing homes serving the entire northwest Highlands, from Kyle of Lochalsh to Durness.

This left Isle View care home in Aultbea as the only privately operated nursing home left operating in the north–west Highlands, amidst an increasingly ageing population, resulting in those requiring nursing home care being relocated to homes far from family and friends.

Highland Council and NHS Highland have recently put together a rescue package to save Main's House in Newtonmore from closure, and the petition calls for the same package to be out in place for Ullapool.

RELATED: Bombshell announcement flags impending closure of care home

Stephen Reynolds commented under the petition: "Care of our elderly is the duty of our nation and should be provided and protected as a right for all future generations. Care homes may be expensive to run, but they are dedicated facilities that serve the needs of the vulnerable and elderly and free up beds and staff at hospitals which are not suited to this essential service."

Pete Tuck also commented under the petition: "Losing this home means there are no care homes for 100 miles of our village. Those who rely on public transport face a four hour journey, probably requiring an overnight stay, to visit family and friends in homes on the east coast."

An NHS spokesperson said: "NHS Highland and the Highland Council are working in partnership and considering a range of options for future care models and services, as a result of the care home closure. The recruitment and sustainability of workforce has been a major factor in the decision of the care home provider to announce the care home closure. Along with the Highland Council we will work jointly and with the community to develop and deliver a new care model in Ullapool. "

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