New operators to take over care homes

Orchard Care Homes applied on September 15 to be registered as the new operator of Culmore Manor Care Centre (home to 53 at the end of June) and Greenhaw Lodge Care Centre (home to 43 at the end of June).

Another operator Four Seasons applied on September 20 to be registered as the new operator of Longfield Care centre (home to 45 at the end of June).

Orchard also applied on the same date of September 15 to take over two former Southern Cross homes in Strabane - Melmont Manor and Sperrin.

The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) has decided to publish the data on the transfer of care homes owned by Southern Cross in order to ensure that as much information is available as possible in a transparent and timely manner.

The information is being provided by Southern Cross, and will be updated as the services transfer to new operators, but it represents the most up to date snapshot available in Northern Ireland.

Southern Cross group recently wrote to Derry City Council assuring it that the 100 plus residents of the three care homes it operates in the city will not be adversely affected by the transfer of the facilities to new operators.

A statement from Southern Cross Chief Executive Jamie Buchan - forwarded to the Council by email on August 23 - also provided assurances that staff at the Longfield Care Home, Culmore Manor and Greenhaw Lodge would be protected under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) TUPE law.

Two hundred and seventy care home residents living in seven Southern Cross managed nursing homes in the Western Trust (WHSCT) - including the three in Londonderry and the two in Strabane - will not be affected by the changes forced after Southern Cross’ 2007 decision to list itself on the London Stock Exchange, sell most of its property freeholds and then lease them back.

One hundred and forty one residents housed in Southern Cross managed homes in Londonderry - forty-five live in the Longfield Care Centre, 53 in the Culmore Manor Care Centre, and 43 in the Greenhaw Lodge Care Centre - and the staff that care for them will not be affected, according to the stricken care provider.

Information that shows the progress being made to transfer 26 care homes in Northern Ireland owned by Southern Cross to new proprietors is now available on the website of the Health and Social Care Board.

As an aid to residents, their carers and the public, the organisations are now providing a weekly update on the status of the business transition process as its relates to all 26 Southern Cross care homes in Northern Ireland. This is available on the website of the Health and Social Care Board www.hscboard.hscni.net. This website facility is supported with additional information that includes a Questions and Answers factsheet, and contact points where people can obtain further information.

The information will be updated regularly during the transition process required by Southern Cross to complete the transfer of its homes.