Bosses of a private healthcare firm held showdown talks with the local authority yesterday over the future of an under-fire care home.
Representatives of Four Seasons – which runs the 54-bed Turriff Care Home – also met with officials from the Care Inspectorate during the meeting at Aberdeenshire Council’s headquarters.
Last week the Press and Journal revealed that Four Seasons are considering closing their Turriff site, but no final decision has been made.
It follows a series of critical care inspections which highlighted concerns over infection control and staff supervision.
In a recent report, inspectors graded the home unsatisfactory – the worst grade possible – in three out of four categories.
Last night, the chairwoman of the council’s social work and housing committee, councillor Ann Allan, said: “Initial talks were held this afternoon at Woodhill House – It’s the first time they’ve met but there may be follow up talks.
“I hope that it gets resolved. I think one of the problems, from what I’ve heard, is a lack of staffing. That is a problem right across the whole care sector.
“Perhaps it needs a root and branch look at how we access care.”
The closure of the home in Woodlands Crescent would leave the Turriff area without an independent care home following the closure of Renaissance-run Glenesk earlier this year.
Then, more than 20 residents were forced to find new accommodation.
Yesterday a spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “We have been in close contact with this service provider and have been kept informed of developments at the service since our last inspection in March found the quality of care provided to be unsatisfactory.
“We are meeting with the provider today to discuss the findings of our most recent inspection and to hear their plans for the service.
“We continue to work closely with this service and the local authority to ensure that residents needs are met and their rights respected.”
A spokesperson for the council confirmed talks had been held, and that residents of Turriff Care Home would be informed when a final decision was made.
Four Seasons have declined to comment further until a final decision is reached.