24.at Inverness care home moved over safety concerns

NHS Highland is assisting in helping residents out of an Inverness home as the Care Inspectorate looks at having the facility's registration cancelled.

An application has been submitted to the Sheriff Court, with steps being taken at Elmgrove in light of concerns over a 'serious risk to the life, health and well-being of residents'

NHS Highland is moving the 24 residents, with the board deciding to withdraw its contract with the care home provider.

Simon Steer, interim director of adult social care at NHS Highland, said: 'Emergency measures are being put in place and residents, their families and carers have been advised of the situation'

'This is an extremely unusual occurrence, there have been very few actions of this type in Scotland - with only been around eight in the last few years - and certainly the first we've been involved in'

'As a board, our priority is the safety and welfare of the residents of Elmgrove'

'We are seeking alternative care arrangement, working closely with the families and other partners, to provide staffing and support and look the best match for them and any future care arrangement'

A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: 'An inspection identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Elmgrove Care Home in Inverness'

'As 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'