Watchdog warns of 'critical failings' at care service

The Care Inspectorate raised concerns last month about the care at home service in the Highlands

The Care Inspectorate says vulnerable patients were put at "risk of harm" due to "critical failings" at NHS Highland's Care at Home service in Sutherland.

Medication was administered incorrectly, with patients needs often neglected at a Highland care service, according to a new report.

It follows concerns raised last month by the watchdog.

NHS Highland previously said it had developed an action plan that it is trying to implement as quickly as possible. It has been approached for further comment.

The Care Inspectorate has issued the service with an improvement notice, with changes required or it would recommend the cancellation of the service's registration.

In its new full report on the service, the watchdog said managers were warned about "unworkable rotas" which led to visits being missed and families not being informed.

Weekend staffing levels were also described by workers as a "nightmare".

The watchdog judged all elements of the service to be either unsatisfactory or weak. It said there had been "critical failings in leadership".

Earlier this month, the GMB union said workers repeatedly warned Sutherland Care at Home Service managers that visits were being missed or cut short due to "understaffing and unrealistic schedules".