Highland Council Notes Home Farm Outcomes - 10 Deaths

20th May 2020

The Highland Council has noted the outcomes at Inverness Sherriff Court this morning regarding Home Farm Care Home on the Isle of Skye.

The Sheriff made no decision on the Care Inspectorate's application to suspend registration but has adjourned the matter until 10 June 2020 on the basis that the collaborative approach being taken will continue to be monitored.

Local Skye Administration Councillors for Ward: 10 Eilean a' Cheò Cllrs John Finlayson, John Gordon and Calum Munro said: "What is most important here is that it has been confirmed that residents are getting a high quality of care at present and this will continue to be monitored. It is also important for residents, families and the wider community to know that care will continue to be provided here on Skye. This is a difficult time for everyone but today's decision means that HC-One supported by NHSH will be able to offer continuity of care for all residents which will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and staff will also be supported to deliver this care."

Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: "I am pleased with this outcome that has enabled the continuation of care - for the immediate future - at Home Farm Care Home. It recognises the hard work that has taken place but also recognises the need for further work to enable safe care of the home's residents."

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Rhoda Grant MSP: "It's a bit sad HC-One had to be taken to court before it would get its act together".

Commenting on today's decision by Inverness Sheriff Court to allow private care home provider HC-One to continue operating a coronavirus-hit care facility on Skye for another three weeks, Highlands & Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said: "Whatever happens to ownership, the residents need to have their home protected and should not be moved. However, this should not be at the detriment of their care which must be up to standard. I understand that the court heard that there had been improvement but it is a bit sad that it took this to happen to get HC-One to get their act together."



It comes after The Care Inspectorate applied to the court to cancel the registration of Home Farm Care Come in Portree over “serious and significant concerns”.

Ten residents have died after contracting coronavirus at the facility.

This morning, at a virtual hearing at Inverness Sheriff Court, HC-One and Social Work Scotland said there had been “substantial” improvements.

And their request for the motion to be continued for another three weeks was approved.