Families have urged HC-One to slow down its closure of Moss Park care home during a highly-charged public meeting in Caol.
Hundreds of locals, relatives and politicians have attended Caol Community Centre this evening to talk about ways forward for care provision for residents affected by the closure.
In attendance was just one representative from HC-One – managing director Maxine Smedley – along with reps from the Highland Council and NHS Highland.
Many of those impacted by the impending Moss Park closure suffer from dementia, with the oldest resident 102-years-old.
Concerned relatives pleaded with the operator to think of the impact on these vulnerable people, after residents’ families had to intervene with staff who were packing up belongings only days after the announcement was made that the home would shut.
The meeting heard the home was to close by mid-December, therefore residents have “three months” to find somewhere new.
The Press and Journal understands three residents have already left the home – and NHS Highland admitted tonight that “there are not enough beds in Lochaber” for everyone.
Karen-Anne Wilson, NHS Scotland’s district manager, told the crowd: “I am really sorry.”
‘How did it get to this?’
During the evening, families said they had been told to look to care homes in Strontian at Dail Mhor and in Lochgilphead – some 80 miles away. It’s believed the service is Strontian is currently “paused” to new residents due to a lack of staff.
The chairman of Caol Community Council, John Gillespie, asked during the meeting: “This is about actual people. What we want to know from HC One is how we got to this?”
The daughter of one resident Fran MacIntosh added: “I speak of a lady who is 102 who can not believe what is happening to her. After three years in Moss Park her first question was ‘what have I done wrong?’
“We perceive panic and rush. We need time to come together and sort this.
“The residents are distressed and so are the staff.”
Maxine Smedly, managing director of HC-One in Scotland, said to the crowd that she understands it is an “upsetting time for everyone”.
She revealed that three months ago a potential buyer fell through.
“We have struggled to attract and retain a workforce in our home,” she said.
“For the past 12-18 months we have been in touch with NHS Highland to keep the home, and to discuss what will happen if there was a closure.”
Ms Smedly said “any new provider” can purchase the home.
“They would need approval from NHS Highland and the council – but we will listen to any offer made for the home,” she said.
“(The home) will remain until every resident has a new care home placement. We do have other care homes, but the decision on placement lies with NHS Highland.
“For the staff in the care home, it is an unsettling time and upsetting.
“We are undergoing consultation with our union and there will be opportunities will be for colleagues to stay within HC-One.”
‘We promise not to rush moves’, says NHS Highland
Ms Wilson from the NHS promised that the process will not be rushed.
“It is the last thing that any of us want. Moss Park has been a godsend to Lochaber, we are gutted that we will lose it,” she said.
“We are not looking to rush anyone into moving because we were trying to look at ways to scope out ways to move forward.
“We will guide families on what they need to do and consider.
Kate Forbes, MSP for Lochaber, also spoke at the meeting.
She spoke through options including a community buy-out, a new commercial operator, or NHS Highland and Highland Council buying the care home.
She said: “A number of people are interested and NHS Highland will soon go public with who can apply and how.
“Irrespective of the decision that HC-One has made, this can not be the end of Moss Park,” she said.
“I promise to work with you, residents, families and your MP Angus MacDonald to find security for the home.”
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