Costs force closure of Highlands care home

Parklands, which acquired the home six months ago, said it had been faced with a “wave of rising costs” which meant the expense of operating and upgrading the service to the required quality was “simply not sustainable over the long term”.

Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “We regret that Mo Dhachaidh care home in Ullapool will close in April, despite our best efforts to ensure its long-term future.

“We will work closely with residents, families and NHS Highland to secure alternative care provision for all residents. Where there is capacity, Mo Dhachaidh residents will be given priority access to our other care homes. Existing employees will be offered career opportunities elsewhere in the Parklands group. Eligible employees who choose not to accept another role will be offered a redundancy package.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly; in 30 years as a care provider, it is the most difficult decision we have ever had to take. However, working with the NHS, we are determined to secure the best possible outcome for our residents and employees.”

Mo Dhachaidh has capacity for 19 residents but is currently home to 14 residents. The home has 18 members of staff.

Parklands has nine other homes in Tain, Muir of Ord, Fortrose, Grantown on Spey, Aberlour, Keith and Buckie.

Kate Earnshaw, NHS Highland’s district manager for Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross, said: “This is a sad time for residents, families and staff at Mo Dhachaidh. The home has provided excellent care to the local community for many years.

“We will remain in close contact with residents and their relatives, as well as staff working in the home, to ensure they are kept up to date with developments.”

Louise Bussell, chief officer at NHS Highland, said: “I am saddened by this news but understand the challenges that have been experienced by Parklands after they took over the running of the care home last year.

“NHS Highland is working closely with The Highland Council within the partnership arrangements in the development of our strategic plan with a focus on ensuring we have the right balance of services across Highland and will continue to work with all of the independent care providers as we plan for future service provision.”