NHS Highland launches investigation after Care Inspectorate’s ‘serious concerns’ on Sutherland Care at Home service
An investigation has been launched into a Sutherland care service after an inspection highlighted “serious concerns” on the quality of care it delivered.
NHS Highland, who runs the Care at Home Service in Sutherland, received an Improvement Notice from the Care Inspectorate last week, with the service required to take steps to meet the watchdog’s requirements by May 25 this year.
In response to the Care Inspectorate’s publication, the health board is now launching a Large Scale Investigation (LSI)to address the shortcomings reported by the inspectors.
Pamela Stott, NHS Highland’s chief officer for adult social care, said: “We recognise this may cause anxiety for service users, their families and our staff. We have developed an action plan to ensure the recommendations outlined in the Improvement Notice are implemented as quickly as possible.
“Our formal review and responses processes take the form of a Large Scale Investigation (LSI) which we have now formally started.
“We are contacting service users, families and staff to provide support and guidance, including a direct contact from within our local Social Work teams.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and we want to reassure the local community we are working to address these concerns as soon as we can.
NHS Highland is responsible for health and adult social care services in the Highland Council area, and the social work service, alongside police and health, will coordinate the Large Scale Investigation (LSI).
They stated that the findings and outcomes from LSIs are shared directly with care at home providers, the Care Inspectorate, individuals and their families.
