Nicola Sturgeon promises to look into case of 80-year-old Midlothian dad moved from hospital to care home against his family's will

NICOLA Sturgeon has pledged to look into the case of Rodger Laing, the 80-year-old father transferred against his family’s wishes from hospital to a care home where he died three weeks later from coronavirus.

The Evening News revealed how Mr Laing, was moved from Midlothian Community Hospital to Drummond Grange, Lasswade, and died on May 27, the day before inspectors found "serious" issues with PPE and infection control at the home.

Lothian Tory MSP Miles Briggs raised the case at First Minister’s Questions and voiced concern about other patients moved from hospitals into care homes.

Ms Sturgeon said there would in time be a full inquiry into and investigation and exploration of all aspects of the crisis, including the decision making and the impact on our care homes.

“I have said before that decisions on discharge are taken carefully and on the basis of clinical risk assessments.”

But she said: “It sounds as though the case that Miles Briggs raises should not have happened in the way that it did. Discharge planning should involve families, clinicians and, when possible, the person who is being discharged. I am happy to look into the particulars of that case, to see whether we can get answers for the family but also whether lessons require to be learned.”

Mr Laing’s family said he had been transferred from the hospital against their will because social workers said he was "bed blocking" - despite him being "perfectly healthy and happy" where he was.

Daughter Gail Law said: "It's just heartbreaking. We are distraught and I cannot think how we will get over this. I will never be able to forgive them for my dad, someone needs to be held accountable."

Care home provider Barchester Healthcare insisted the home, which cares for highly dependent people, followed government guidance at all times and that PPE stocks were full and staff trained and experienced in infection control.