Care homes reprieved in takeover

TWO old people’s care homes in Rotherham have been saved in the wake of the collapse of the Southern Cross group.

The future of staff and residents at the Alexandra Nursing and Residential Home in Thrybergh and Laureate Court in Wellgate has been assured after being taken over by Orchard Care Homes.

It brings to an end months of uncertainty for the elderly and their relatives.

Orchard Care Homes stepped in to take over the running of the homes after Southern

Cross, the biggest care homes provider in the country, crashed earlier this year.

Leeds-based Orchard is one of the largest of elderly care in the north of England and recently appointed Mike Lake, former Director General of Help the Aged, to its board.

The company is taking over the management of 44 of the former Southern Cross homes.

With homes throughout the midlands and the north of England plus Scotland and Northern Ireland, the move is seen as a significant addition for Orchard outside of its traditional northern base.

Paul Mancey, chief executive officer of Orchard Care, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming staff and residents from these homes on board.

“This is a very exciting time for the company and we hope that today's announcement will end the speculation and anxiety for all involved over the past few months.

“Orchard Care Homes has a huge amount of operational expertise to ensure that the homes are run successfully with the highest quality of care.

"Continuity of care remains our priority.

“We have a dedicated team in place working towards a smooth transition who have been engaged with representatives of Southern Cross, the landlords and individual home managers for the past few months.

“In addition we have been working closely with all regulatory bodies including the Care Quality Commission.”

Alexandra Home Manager June Savage described the outcome as “great news.”

She added: “It brings to an end months of uncertainty for the residents, the staff and our local community and we are looking forward to working together with the new management to provide the best possible care for everyone who lives here.”