Woman with Cerebral Palsy Moved 100 Miles Away to Care Home After NHS Support Ends

Iona Grant, 29, with cerebral palsy, was moved 100 miles away to a care home after her NHS care package ended. Despite initial promises of a short stay, she remains there nearly five months later, separated from family and her dog who died during this time.

Background and Relocation

A 29-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, Iona Grant, has reported being "chucked" into a care home approximately 100 miles from her family home following the collapse of her NHS-funded care package. NHS Highland initially informed her that this arrangement would last only a few weeks; however, nearly five months have passed since her transfer to Nairn.

Iona had been living "relatively independently" in her home in Fort William but was informed that the necessary care could not be provided after a minor operation in October. She accused the health board of insufficient efforts to facilitate her return home. NHS Highland declined to comment on individual cases and advised patients with concerns to contact its feedback team.

A map of Scotland showing the locations of Nairn and Fort William.

Details of Iona's Care and Independence

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition affecting movement and coordination. Iona, who uses a wheelchair, had previously received home support. Following her operation in Glasgow, she was told that two carers were required for her aftercare, but NHS Highland was unable to provide this level of support.

"They gave me five days notice before they chucked me up here [in Nairn]," Iona said.

"I lived independently within reason. I had my carers coming in four times a day.

"I was independent. I cooked my own food. I did my own shopping. I did whatever I needed to do."

While Iona described the care home staff as "lovely," she expressed a strong desire to return to her own home. She believes she is the youngest resident at the care home and among the few capable of living almost independently.

Communication and Duration Issues

Iona highlighted poor communication as a significant issue during her stay.

"They said it would only be for a couple of weeks but then said 'you'll be staying up here until after Christmas'," she said.

"Then they said by email it would only be a month I would be at the home for and that's been nearly five months."

"They've not really done much to try and get me home."

Impact on Family and Personal Life

During her time away, Iona's 14-year-old dog, Diesel, passed away. She was deeply saddened by being unable to be with her pet in his final days.

Iona Grant Diesel is an elderly black labrador. He is walking on a laminated floor and looking up while licking his nose. His face has white markings. — Iona said it was heartbreaking to be away from her dog Diesel who has now died

Her father, Stewart Grant, who cared for Diesel and resides in Kinlochleven—22 miles from Fort William but 104 miles from Nairn—described the difficulty of visiting Iona due to reliance on public transport.

Iona Grant has dark hair down to her shoulders and is wearing a hair band and glasses. She is also wearing a pink woolly jumper. She is in a wheelchair in the outdoors. Next to her is her dad Stewart, who is wearing a green coat over a blue T-shirt. He is leaning on the back of her wheelchair There is grass and woodland behind them. They are both smiling at the camera. — Iona's father, Stewart, described the situation as "horrendous"

"It's absolutely dreadful," he said.

"We've had no Christmas together. It was my birthday in January – no birthday."

He added he would not be able to celebrate Iona's 30th birthday next week.

NHS Highland's Response

NHS Highland stated it collaborates closely with health and social care professionals, partner organisations, individuals, and families to provide appropriate care.

A spokesperson said:

"Due to patient confidentiality and privacy it would not be appropriate for us to comment on individual cases however we would encourage the individual concerned to contact our feedback team."

Political and Sector Reactions

Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, was made aware of Iona's situation in December and has engaged with NHS Highland to emphasize the importance of securing a care package.

Kate Forbes has dark hair to her shoulders and is wearing a blue jacket. She is standing outdoors and there are blurred lights in the background. — Deputy First Minister and Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes says she has contacted NSH Highland about Iona's case

"This issue has had a significant impact on Iona, and it is why I took immediate and urgent action with NHS Highland," Forbes said.

"I am disappointed that it has not been resolved yet and I have continued to follow up with NHS Highland to ensure Iona has carers in place to help her live as independently as she possibly can at her home."

Scottish Care, representing the independent social care sector, noted an increase in cases similar to Iona's due to staff shortages and funding limitations.

Chief executive Donald Macaskill said such cases were not unique and people were being "taken away" from their families and communities.

"No matter how good that care and support is, they are not where they want to be, where they need to be, and where they should be," he said.

He added: " What matters is that people are able to live independently to live their life to the full, where they belong and where they come from.

"And if that means that we need more resource and a greater focus on ensuring that we can deliver services in remote and rural communities, then we need to do that."