Mo Dhachaidh care home in Ullapool set to close as operator Parklands cites 'most challenging economic climate we have ever faced'
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A WESTER Ross care home is set to close just months after being taken over by a new operator.
Mo Dhachaidh care home in Ullapool is to close on April 23, its operator confirmed yesterday.
Parklands Care Homes is working with NHS Highland to source alternative accommodation for the home’s 14 residents, including at Parklands’ other care homes, and has similarly offered alternative employment opportunities for affected staff.
“Quite simply, the current economic climate is the most challenging we have ever faced.” - Ron Taylor
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.
“We acquired Mo Dhachaidh with the intention of retaining it and investing in it for the long-term. However, in recent months we have faced a wave of rising costs and it has become manifestly clear that the costs of operating and upgrading Mo Dhachaidh to the required industry standard are simply not sustainable over the long term.
“We understand this will disappoint many in the community. However, it is a stark reminder of the difficulties associated with operating care homes in remote, rural locations, and of the mounting and unsustainable costs with which we, and others in the sector, are now confronted.
“Quite simply, the current economic climate is the most challenging we have ever faced.”
Parklands Care Homes acquired Mo Dhachaidh in August 2022. Mo Dhachaidh has capacity for 19 residents but is currently home to 14 residents. The home currently has 18 members of staff.
Parklands has nine other homes in Tain, Muir of Ord, Fortrose, Grantown on Spey, Aberlour, Keith and Buckie.
NHS Highland confirmed that Parklands has served notice to it as the lead agency within the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership that their Mo Dhachaidh care home in Ullapool will close in April 2023.
It said the closure "is associated with the challenges of operating a small-scale remote service in Ullapool" and that Parklands’ four other care homes in Highland, from which NHS Highland commission services, are unaffected.
There will be a managed closure of the care home during which time NHS Highland and Parklands "will work closely together to ensure the best outcomes for residents".
A statement issued today says: "NHS Highland’s primary aim is the care and wellbeing of the 14 residents in the care home and we will work with Parklands to ensure continuity of care until alternative and appropriate care provision can be secured.
"We will be in contact with residents and relatives to discuss their wishes and to work with them to identify alternative provision for the residents that best meet their care needs. We have appointed liaison social workers to help manage this process.
"NHS Highland is keen to retain health and social care skills within the locality and will be engaging with staff regarding any available opportunities."
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, 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.”
