The Scottish COVID-19 inquiry is officially underway in Edinburgh
Helen Scott Danter, who worked at Home Farm care home in Portree, Isle of Skye, says the inquiry "feels very important"
Last updated 28th Aug 2023
The Scottish COVID-19 inquiry officially gets under way today (28th August, 2023) at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
The first set of preliminary hearings follows a presentation on epidemiology in Dundee last month.
During the preliminary hearing the Inquiry will screen a short film which they say is "intended as formal and lasting recognition of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the people of Scotland."
At least 10 residents died following a covid outbreak at Home Farm care home in Portree, Isle of Skye.
Helen Scott Danter worked there as an activities coordinator and a well-being coordinator for nine years before leaving in July 2020.
She says staff tried to communicate to higher management concerns such as a lack of PPE before the outbreak hit the facility, but their fears weren't acted on.
Helen said: "It was a very harrowing time for the whole community.
"That's why this covid inquiry feels very important because there is a lack of closure for the relatives, staff and the community at large.
"I was watching and feeling helpless and conflicted, because I was told to be quiet about things by the superiors.
"Obviously you want to tell people what's happening, but I wasn't able to.
"It just felt inevitable this was going to happen, it was a very scary time.
"I don't feel staff were supported as well and I think the residents felt so badly treated because they didn't get any information."
Helen explained how she would like to see a memorial made in Portree to remember those who lost their lives, due to the impact it has had on the community.
She added: "You can't really ever come to terms with what happened.
"You send your loved ones there for them to be cared for and at the end of the day, up and down the land, they weren't cared for.
"They contracted this terrible disease and that was it."
HC-One, who were Home Farm's operators in May 2020, say they have "always strived to take all possible precautions to keep residents and colleagues safe."
A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with all families that have lost a loved one from coronavirus.
"Caring for our Residents and supporting our Colleagues is at the heart of what we do, and we know the pandemic was an exceptionally difficult time for everyone connected to our homes.
"Throughout the pandemic, we have worked extremely hard to protect our Residents and Colleagues, and we have always strived to take all possible precautions to keep Residents and Colleagues safe.
"Given the ongoing legal process, we are unable to make further public comment regarding Home Farm at this time."