Deal struck to save Lochaber care home

The Highland Council and NHS Highland said in a joint statement on November 6: "NHS Highland and The Highland Council are delighted to announce that we are progressing work to secure a purchase of the Moss Park Care Home and a transfer of service provision to NHS Highland in 2025.
 
"We also welcome the positive support from the Scottish Government in respect to this intervention which seeks to provide medium term care and certainty for people in Lochaber.   
 
"The Highland Council considered a confidential report on the future of Lochaber care provision on 31 October and approved a recommendation to seek to purchase Moss Park Care Home. 

"Both NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce that an agreement in principle has now been secured with the current provider.
 
"While this is still only a first step in the process, and there remain a number of complexities to work through, it is hopeful this proposed way forward provides some certainty to care home residents and their families and the care home staff.
 
"A transfer of service provision from HC One to NHS Highland is likely early in 2025. NHS Highland will seek to operate the home in the medium term, until alternative sustainable models of provision in Lochaber can be established in the long term.
 
"We are aware that this has been a worrying time for residents and their families, and for staff and further engagement with stakeholders will take place over the coming weeks. 

"Further information (FAQ) which may help to address any questions will be uploaded to the NHS Highland website on 7 November."

Kate Forbes, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, added: “I hope today’s announcement helps provide reassurance to residents, their families, the staff and the local community that the Highland Council and NHS Highland have a plan for the future of Moss Park.

“I know that it has been a deeply worrying time, and I have done everything in my power to support my constituents.

“Everyone has been pulling in the same direction to keep the home open, and my particular thanks to the Lochaber Action for Moss Park (LAMP) campaign team for their tireless efforts. This is a huge boost for Lochaber.

“Whilst an agreement has been reached on the physical Moss Park building, we need a longer-term plan for future care provision in the area.

“I hope the transition from HC-One to NHS Highland will be as smooth as possible.”

Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston added: “I welcome this announcement, and it is welcome step towards securing the immediate future of Moss Park Care Home.

"It will bring some hope for Moss Park’s residents, their families and the staff who have faced significant uncertainty in recent months.

“However, while this proposed transfer to NHS Highland may provide some medium-term stability, it is vital that Fort William has sustainable, long-term care solutions.

"That means care provision must remain within the local community long-term rather than being relocated elsewhere in the Highlands. People in Fort William deserve reassurance that they and their loved ones can continue receiving care close to home.

“There is still much to be done to ensure that the outcome is a comprehensive, lasting solution that meets the needs of the local community, and I will continue advocating for."