NHS Highland has been accused of telling a “blatant lie” over the handling of the investigation into 10 deaths at a Skye care home.
Families whose relatives have died at Home Farm in Portree said they’d been left angry and frustrated amid claims of miscommunication from the health authority.
Ten residents died following an outbreak of covid-19 at the Skye home with NHS Highland stepping in to provide assistance to operator HC One.
An NHS Highland spokesman told the Press and Journal on July 11 it had contacted “relatives and next of kin to ensure they are fully informed of concerns and progress to-date and to ensure their views inform the investigation process”.
But families have now described that statement as a “blatant lie” with some contending they have not been contacted, as suggested, to contribute to the health board’s “large scale investigation” and have instead only had minor involvement and contact.
Mandie Harris, whose husband Colin was one of 10 residents who died as a result of the outbreak, said NHS Highland only contacted her to ask if she wished to be kept up to date with court proceedings.
She added: “The word large scale investigation has never been mentioned to me.
“I am really angry. My husband died along with other residents. Surely, that entitles us to give our opinion and be kept informed?”
Local councillor John Gordon, whose father John Angus Gordon also died in Home Farm, added: “It is extremely frustrating.
“Nobody is asking for every word that is going to be written or mapped-out through the investigation but just a simple explanation as to who is taking the lead and what evidence is going to be gathered.
“I just think there is a built-up frustration now with people because we continually hear things on social media or in the press before families are told.”
Addressing the concerns raised by Mrs Harris, an NHS Highland spokesman said: “We offer our sincere sympathies to the family at this very difficult time.
“There are currently three processes underway at Home Farm care home, namely the Adult Support and Protection/Large Scale Investigation (LSI) concerning the welfare of residents; the court action being undertaken by the regulator and an ongoing police investigation.”
The spokesman said different levels of information were being provided to relatives “depending on their circumstances” with the large scale investigation being carried out by social work, health and police.
He added: “The family has been in touch with social work and these concerns were detailed at the Adult Support and Protection Large Scale Investigation meetings.
“NHS Highland is contacting the family directly to clarify the situation in greater detail.”
