Nazareth nuns to shut after 120 years with 33workers facing dole

The Sisters of Nazareth said: “It is with deep regret that the Sisters of Nazareth, who owns and operates Nazareth House Residential Care Home, Bishop Street, Derry has announced today (Friday, June 7) that, unfortunately, the facility will close.

“The decision is based on the findings and recommendations of a strategic review of the facility conducted by independent consultants – BDO.”

The Home will close on September 7, 2013. It will continue to provide care until that date for the remaining 18 residents until alternative accommodation is sourced with the support of the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

The consultant’s recommendation for closure was based on the following driving forces: falling demand for residential care; unsustainable financial performance of the home; facility requiring significant capital investment.

BDO’s claim there is falling demand for such care flies belies 18 applications for private and state residential and nursing homes between 2008 and 2011 across the North West.

However, as a result of the closure of 69, there will be a loss of 33 full time jobs. Management is entering into a consultative process in the coming days with the staff on the proposed redundancies. The decision to close was not taken lightly.

In a statement the Sisters of Nazareth continued: “The Sisters of Nazareth have managed the residential care home in Derry for over 120 years and are very saddened at the necessary closure and the subsequent loss of jobs in the locality.

“We would like to pay tribute to and thank all the loyal staff for their years of service to the Home.

“The Home’s first priority is the continuing care and wellbeing of residents currently in their care. The Congregation and Management will work with residents, staff and the Trust in providing the best of care and services while residents await the provision of alternative accommodation.

“The Sisters would like to thank the people of Derry, Bishops, priests and parishioners of the dioceses and associates of the Home for their ongoing support and generosity which have enabled the Congregation to serve the residents for over 120 years.”