Respite provision for young people in Highlands paused partly due to staffing issues

Short break respite care has been paused at a specialist unit in Inverness for children and young people affected by severe and complex disabilities.

The Orchard care facility in Broom Drive is run by Highland Council with NHS input in a community setting which is part of the council’s Integrated Children’s Service Provision.

Its services include the provision of a short break service to families caring in the community for children and young people.

In a joint statement, Highland Council and NHS Highland said: "Significant service delivery challenges – particularly in terms of staffing – have resulted in a pause to short-break (respite) provision at The Orchard care facility.

"The provision has not ceased permanently or closed.

"We are working extremely hard with all colleagues including NHS Highland to resolve these issues to reinstate short break provision as quickly as possible to meet the needs of the community."

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