Closure of Mo Dhachaidh care home

25 January 2023

Mo Dhachaidh care home in Ullapool is to close on 23 April, its operator confirmed today.
 
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.
 
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.