Staff at a care home embroiled in an inquiry into the death of an elderly woman struggled to give patients the care they needed because of budget cuts.

Mental health nurse Jacqueline Fraser claims staff at Wyvis House Care Home have struggled to give patients sufficient care because of cuts to staff numbers.

She made the claim during a fatal accident inquiry into the death of 87-year-old Jamesina MacKenzie, at Dingwall Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The retired veterinary surgeon died in May 2009 from an infection after she developed severe bed sores while she stayed at the Highland care home.

Earlier this week the inquiry heard that the sores, which were so severe that Miss MacKenzie's hip joint was exposed, were among the worst hospital staff had ever seen.

Mrs Fraser told the inquiry: "It was hard to give her the care she needed with the staff we had.

"We did what we could."

The nurse left the court in tears after telling sheriff Alistair MacFadyen she felt unwell.

She also said there had been gaps in the records kept of when Miss MacKenzie's dressings were changed, which was "not good practice".

She said she believed the dressings were changed, but that it had not been recorded.

The inquiry is expected to continue for the rest of the week.

IN DETAIL

• 87-year-old died from bed sores 'among worst' hospital staff had ever seen