An inquest into claims that a frail dementia sufferer was seen by more than 100 different carers has collapsed.
Dr Simon Harding lodged a formal complaint against Perth and Kinross Council after learning that his mother had been treated by a “revolving door of carers” over a five-year period.
CCTV footage from her home also revealed that many of the staff did not stay for their contracted half-hour visits, with some leaving after just a couple of minutes.
Dr Harding went before the council’s complaints review committee to present his argument and call for an improved service.
But he said the talks were halted after descending into “chaos”.
Dr Harding told The Courier he was now preparing to take his case to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
“It was a complete shambles,” he said. “The idea was that I would present my case before the council had the opportunity to give its side of the story.
“But we never got that far. It was all very chaotic.”
Dr Harding said that the committee debated for more than 45 minutes on whether or not he could record the meeting using a digital device. Members eventually ruled that he could not.
Dr Harding said that members of the panel then became “hostile” towards him.
“I was starting to get concerned that the convener was not going to be impartial,” he said. “I told them that I had no confidence in the impartiality of the panel and I asked the convener to stand down.
“They refused to do so. In the end, there was no option but to end the meeting.”
Dr Harding said: “It was very disappointing and hugely frustrating, particularly because I had travelled so far just to attend.”
Last night, a council spokeswoman said she could not comment on private talks.
Responding to Dr Harding’s original complaint, the local authority said theywould always look to provide consistency of carer where possible, “whether it is care provided by our own homecare service or by an agency delivering homecare on our behalf”.