'Serious concerns' about Highland Care at Home Service

Inspectors have identified "serious and significant concerns" about the quality of care provided by NHS Highland's Care at Home Service in Sutherland.

The Care Inspectorate said improvements were needed or it would recommend the cancellation of the service's registration.

Care at Home offers support to people who find it difficult to manage daily routines.

NHS Highland said it would work with staff to put actions in place as soon as possible.

Inspectors acknowledged that it was a "difficult and distressing time" for staff at the Sutherland service, but added that their first priority was always the health and wellbeing of care users.

The Care Inspectorate's improvement notice called for "safe and compassionate care and treatment" by a deadline of 25 May.

The regulator stressed that this included support with medication, help with skin health and mobility assistance.

Inspectors also said that service users needed to be kept safe and healthy by ensuring that medication was "handled and administered correctly".

Steps to ensure effective governance is in place to monitor the quality of care were also requested.

The Care Inspectorate said that "failure to demonstrate compliance" with the improvements could lead to the service's registration being cancelled.

A spokesperson for NHS Highland said the health board would work closely with staff to put actions in place as soon as possible.

NHS Highland said it planned to issue a further statement this week once it had spoken to service users.

A full inspection by the Care Inspectorate is expected at a later date.