Highland learning disability unit closed amid investigation

A Highland respite home which provides short-term breaks for adults with learning disabilities has been closed amid a police investigation.

The six-bed Beachview Lodge Respite Unit in Brora was shut on Monday and residents were moved to a care centre in Maryburgh, 50 miles away.

NHS Highland refused to confirm the nature of the investigation, but said staffing pressures had contributed to the closure.

Bob Silverwood, NHS Highland’s Caithness and Sutherland area manager, said: “The decision to suspend our service at the respite unit is not one we have taken lightly.

“We are of course keen to ensure that we can continue to offer respite care for those booked to use the unit, which is why we have taken a block booking at Seaforth House, a privately-operated respite care centre at Maryburgh in Ross-shire.

“We would like to minimise any inconvenience to service users and their families, as well as our staff, and hope the situation at Beachview Lodge Respite Unit can be resolved as soon as possible.”

A Police Scotland spokesman added: “Police Scotland can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation into a report of concerns at a care home in the Brora area.

“Investigations, which are being carried out with partner agencies, are at a very early stage and no further information is available at this time.”

NHS Highland said the situation did not affect the nearby Beachview Lodge Day Centre.

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