The family of an 80-year-old man, John Russell, has been informed he could be placed in a care home 100 miles from his home in Oban. Mr Russell has been in Lorn & Islands Hospital for 16 months since suffering a stroke.
His wife, Teresa, 79, who uses a wheelchair and walking frame, expressed her willingness to care for him at home with assistance. However, his discharge has been delayed, and his health has deteriorated. Mrs Russell stated that because her husband requires 24-hour care, he might be moved to a care home in Edinburgh, which is approximately 93 miles by train or 122 miles by road.
The Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (ABHSCP) acknowledged the difficulties in arranging home care or finding suitable care home places in remote and rural areas, particularly for individuals needing 24-hour support. Mrs Russell, a former nurse, highlighted that Oban has been their home for 50 years, and local care homes are currently full.
Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP, Tim Eagle, intends to raise the case at Holyrood. ABHSCP stated its aim is to support patients to return home or move to a care setting as close to home as possible, and that alternatives are discussed with families when no local option is available.