Southern Cross to hand over care homes to landlords
Residents have been reassured in Peterborough that they will not have to move, lets hope it will be the same for every resident across the country,.
News from The Peterborough Evening Telegraph, www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk
By Stephen Briggs
Published on Tuesday 12 July 2011 09:25
VULNERABLE residents in care homes in the Peterborough area have been reassured after operator Southern Cross warned it was set to shut down.
Southern Cross Healthcare Group, which operates the 59-bed Astoria Park, in Park Crescent, Peterborough, has announced plans to hand over all of its 752 care homes to landlords or, where appropriate, new operators because of financial difficulties.
The firm also runs the 38-bed Broad Oaks, in March, the 46-bed Dove Court, in Wisbech, the 17-bed Friday House, in Wisbech, and the 46-bed Strathmore House in Wisbech. In total the firm employs 251 people across the homes.
The firm rents its homes from a large number of different landlords but in the face of its mounting problems those landlords have indicated their intention to leave the group.
After Southern Cross announced it was to suspend trading in its shares, a spokesman said it was envisaged the group would cease to be an operator of homes.
Peterborough City Council has moved to allay any concerns for the wellbeing of residents at Astoria Park, which employs 41 people.
Denise Radley, director of adult social services, said: “We have been aware of Southern Cross’ situation for some time and have a contingency plan in place and, are in discussions with the landlords and agents for Astoria Park care home and these discussions are progressing well.
“All parties are working together as agreed to bring about an orderly transfer to new operators with the wellbeing of residents and families at the forefront of the planning.
“Our priority is to ensure that all of the city’s Southern Cross residents are safe, secure and properly cared for at all times.”.
Cllr Catherine Hutton, Cambridgeshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult services, said: “We have been through a period of uncertainty but now we know what is likely to happen and when, and we can work with our partners to make sure that the changes happen as seamlessly as possible for residents.”
Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson said minimising disruption to residents should be the “number one priority” at this time, but added lessons needed to be learnt from Southern Cross’ collapse.
