Update on Castle Gardens care home, Invergordon

Joint news release from NHS Highland and Highland Council

NHS Highland and The Highland Council have been informed by HC-One that they intend to close Castle Gardens care home in Invergordon. There are currently 35 residents in the care home.

HC-One has advised that for some time now at Castle Gardens, and in common with social care providers across the country, they have struggled to build and retain a full, permanent care team.

Unfortunately, they have not been able to find a solution to the challenges faced by this home, and they have had to consider how this situation is impacting the residents and their staff. They have therefore had to make the decision to begin the closure process at Castle Gardens.

HC-One has attempted to avoid having to reach this conclusion, but have sadly exhausted all other viable alternatives for this home.

Following discussions with NHS Highland and The Highland Council, HC-One has served notice to close Castle Gardens. There will be a managed closure of the care home.

During this time we will work jointly with HC-One and the residents, their families and staff to ensure a smooth and managed closure of the home. Liaison social workers have been appointed and the priority for NHS Highland will be to work with residents and their families to move the residents into new homes.

The staff in the care home who are providing care to the residents will be supported to move to alternative health and social care employment opportunities.

Pamela Cremin, NHS Highland’s Interim Chief Officer, said: “We know this is a worrying time for the residents and their families. The priority of NHS Highland and The Highland Council is to support residents to move to a new care home as soon as possible.

“We will remain in close contact with residents and their relatives to ensure they are supported as this work continues to progress.”

Chair of Highland Council’s Health, Social Care & Wellbeing Committee, Councillor David Fraser, commented:  “We recognise that today’s announcement regarding Castle Gardens care home will result in a great deal of uncertainty for the home’s residents, their relatives and the staff.  However, Highland Council is actively working alongside NHS Highland to support the transition to alternative care arrangements for those affected.”