An application to cancellation the registration of an Inverness has been submitted by the Care Inspectorate.

The regulator said it had identified “serious and significant concerns” at Cradlehall Care Home which is operated by St Philips Care Home Group.

A spokesperson said: “An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Cradlehall Care Home in Inverness.

“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their loved ones and staff at the home. 

“However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of residents. 

“Because of our concerns about the safety and wellbeing of residents we have submitted an application to the sheriff court seeking cancellation of the care home’s registration. 

“This could allow new care arrangements to be put in place for residents of the home.  “We are working closely with our partners including NHS Highland to ensure that residents experience appropriate care that meets their needs during this difficult time.”

An NHS Highland spokesperson added: “We are concerned about the significant issues that have been raised regarding the quality of care experienced by the residents at Cradlehall Care Home.

“Over recent weeks, there has been coordinated daily Highland Health and Social Care Partnership presence in the care home and assessments of the health and wellbeing of all residents are being progressed.

“We are aware that the Care Inspectorate has submitted an application to the Sheriff Court seeking cancellation of Cradlehall Care Home’s registration.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.

“We are working closely with our multi-agency partners and relevant stakeholders to support the residents of Cradlehall Care Home in order to minimise risk to residents, as we consider available options to best ensure resident safety and welfare.”

St Philips Care chief operating officer Tracy Atkins said: “We always hold the happiness and wellbeing of our residents at the heart of all that we do.

“It was always our intention to partially close the home so that we could refurbish it. It may be that we need to close down the whole home, in order to achieve a better result in the longer term.

“We are working closely with NHS Highlands, to find the best solution for the residents in our care.”