An Inverness care home is under investigation after four patients died in just a few days.
Fairfield Care Home has been suspended from taking on new patients while the Care Inspectorate and NHS Highland investigate the case.
It is understood the people who died are all women in their 80s and 90s.
The deaths have been linked to a flu outbreak and all of the deaths occurred in the last week of January.
Health secretary Shona Robison said she was “saddened” by the deaths – and said she has asked to be kept informed of the outcome of a Care Inspectorate investigation into a “separate concern” at the home.
No details of this have been released.
The home’s owner Taj Manda, who also runs the Mandeville Care Home in Culduthel, traced the flu outbreak to a bug which also affected Raigmore Hospital and other care facilities in the city.
He said: “Our feelings are with those we lost and their families because when people stay with us they become like family.”
He added: “We are all working together to remedy the situation.”
A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said: “We have recently been notified of the deaths of four residents at Fairfield Care Home and our thoughts are with those affected at this difficult time.
“A separate concern has been raised with us about this care home which we are considering carefully.
“If we uphold the complaint the outcome will be published in due course.
“We continue to work with Fairfield Care Home and with NHS Highland to ensure residents needs are met and their rights respected.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Highland said: “We have been made aware of potential issues around the standard of care at Fairfield Care Home.
“As a result we have suspended admissions to the home while we work with them to ensure care and support is in place at a standard we would expect.
“All families and next of kin have been informed of what is happening.”
Ms Robison said: “I was saddened to hear of the deaths of the residents at Fairfield Care Home and my thoughts are with those affected at this sad time.
“I understand separate concerns have been raised relating to the quality of care provided at the care home that are being fully investigated by the relevant authorities. Any action required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents will be taken as a matter of urgency – and I have asked to be kept informed of progress on this.”