Inspectors seek to close down Inverness care home
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Inverness care home with 23 residents is facing urgent court action to close it down.
A team from the NHS and Highland Council moved into Elmgrove House Care Home in Ballifeary Road earlier this week to begin the process of moving out residents, all women with an average age of 97 and including three aged over 100.
A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said: “An inspection identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Elmgrove House Care Home in Inverness.
“As a result of our findings, we have concluded that there is a serious risk to the life, health and wellbeing of residents.
“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their loved ones and staff at the home. However, our first priority must always be the health and wellbeing of residents.
“We have therefore submitted an application to the Sheriff Court seeking cancellation of the care home’s registration. Anyone with a concern can contact us on 0345 600 9527.”
The case will call at Inverness Sheriff Court on Friday.
NHS Highland, which has responsibility for adult care, said it was taking urgent action to safeguard residents.
A spokesman said: “The health board has decided to withdraw its contract with the care home provider and is urgently seeking to place all residents to a safer alternative environment.”
Simon Steer, interim director of adult social care at the health board, said: “Emergency measures are being put in place and residents, their families and carers have been advised. Our priority is the safety and welfare of the residents.
“We are working closely with partners to provide staffing and other support that may be required to ensure resident safety and welfare, whilst we urgently progress alternative care arrangements.”
Elmgrove was served with an improvement notice in September last year, but a subsequent inspection said the provider had still not demonstrated that staffing levels met the needs of clients in line with health and safety standards.
Inspectors also noticed the home had a low number of staff with relevant qualifications.
See tomorrow's Highland News for full story.
Related articles:
- Inverness care home asked to make improvements
- Inverness care home must make "urgent improvements", says inspectorate
