Administrators RSM Tenon took over Stonecross Nursing Home in October 2009 and have been seeking a buyer ever since.

But with no sale forthcoming, the firm said it had been left with ‘no alternative’ but to shut the Milnthorpe Road venue, leaving 27 residents in need of alternative accommodation and 43 staff looking for new jobs.

In a statement, RSM Tenon said: “The home cannot continue to operate in the absence of a buyer under administration conditions.

“The administrators and their advisors have been liaising with the local authority to find suitable alternative accommodation and ensure that any disruption to residents is minimised. It is intended that the home closes on June 28.”

Stonecross provides personal care and nursing care for elderly people and those with dementia.

Healthcare Management Solutions Limited has been managing the home on behalf of the administrators.

In May 2012, the Care Quality Commission visited the home after being contacted about concerns over recruitment, staffing and cleanliness.

A report published by inspectors a month later found shortcomings in ‘essential standards’ relating to care, welfare, nutrition, safeguarding, control of infection, staff recruitment procedures, training and support.

But in an unannounced check last October, the CQC said the necessary improvements had been made and the home was fully compliant.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council told the Gazette: “We’re working with the residents of Stonecross and their families to find alternative placements and we’re hoping to have all residents rehomed before the end of June.”

Source: West Morland Gazette

Stonecross Nursing Home, Milnthorpe Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5HH

Reginald, aged 70 and his older sister Marina, 79, have shed tears of joy in celebrating living under the same roof again. They were separated in August last year when Marina was admitted to Ipswich hospital. Whilst she was there, Reginald moved into Paddock House care home.

After hearing that Marina was living in a care home in Ipswich, both care home teams did all they could to arrange for Marina to move back to Eye to be with her brother at Paddock House. The brother and sister had only seen each other once during the eight months they were apart but now enjoy spending time together every day.

Reginald said: “I’m very pleased to be living with my sister at Paddock House as we are the only two left in our family. We had always promised each other that we would stick together.”

Kym Denney, home manager at Paddock House, said: “We are thrilled to have reunited Reginald and Marina. They are both very close and protective of each other and we are very pleased to be able to provide them with a safe, happy and comfortable environment where they can live together.”

The Care UK team at Paddock House are also helping to maintain other elements of Reginald and Marina’s home life. Both have always loved animals, in particular dogs, so the team has arranged for a local dog owner to visit regularly.

On 1st December 2012 Care UK took over responsibility for Suffolk County Council’s existing 16 residential care homes and eight wellbeing centres, welcoming over 500 residents, including those at Paddock House in Eye. At the same time over 900 former Suffolk County Council employees transferred on their existing terms to be part of the Care UK team.

Source: Care UK

One elderly woman suffered burns in the blaze which broke out in a ground-floor flat at Doves Nest Nursing Home, Newton Heath, at 21:50 BST on Tuesday.

Firefighters rescued the woman from the flat and gave first aid at the scene before she was taken to hospital.

The cause of the fire is being investigated but it is thought to be the result of an accident, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said.

The blaze was confined to one flat and the 12 people evacuated are thought to have been allowed back to their flats for the night, the fire service said.

Source: BBC.co.uk

Arthur Clark care home in Caversham provides care for up to 24 people, but Reading Borough Council has said it is not fit for purpose.

A public consultation is under way on plans for the home, which include shutting the site or upgrading the building at a cost of more than £1m.

A petition launched by relatives has attracted more than 140 signatures.

The petition, which wants to keep the home open, was set up by the family of Zoe Trinder, whose 93-year-old grandmother is a resident.

She said: “Many of the residents themselves are not in the position to stand up and be heard so we want to defend this case for them.

“We want them to listen to what we are asking them to do and look after the people we hold dearest in our hearts.”

No decision

The council has said the care home does not meet standards required by regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It does not have en-suite bathrooms, some bedrooms are small and the council has said communal parts of the building require “significant upgrading”.

One option is to refurbish the care home, but the council’s preferred option is to shut the site and offer residents alternative places in private accommodation.

However, no decision has been made.

A spokesman said: “The work required is so extensive that residents would need to move out while work was being carried out.

“The council appreciates that any move would be unsettling for residents.

“To keep disruption to a minimum, we have therefore proposed that we support the people from Arthur Clark to settle into permanent alternative accommodation rather than offer a temporary alternative and then expect people to have to move again.”

The consultation runs until 14 June.

Source: BBC News

Arthur Clarke, 1 Albert Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AN

http://www.comparecarehomes.com/arthur-clarke-rg4-7an/16407#.UZ1CGZlwbIV

V.E Day was celebrated in style at Gateford Hill Care Home in Worksop. The home was decorated with bunting, balloons and other decorations while staff and residents tucked into some delicious British classics such as salmon and cucumber sandwiches, and trifle.

They were treated to hits from the 1940s by Linda Robin, who sang favourites including songs from Dame Vera Lynn and The Andrew Sisters. Staff also donned fancy dress based around the them of the best of British, with one employee even dressing as a giant ten pound note.

Source: Gainsborough Standard

http://www.comparecarehomes.com/gateford-hill-care-home-s81-8af/5403#.UZshj0rNhD0

Gateford Hill Care Home, Gateford Hill Care Home, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S81 8AF

A pair of 19th century Chinese porcelain vases and an interesting handwritten travel diary detailing a journey through 1930′s Nazi Germany were also brought along for inspection by TV expert Michael Roberts, from Canterbury Auction House.

In total, 25 people came along with their treasures so the Bargain Hunt star could cast an eye over their family heirlooms and collectibles during last Wednesday’s (May 15) event to mark the BUPA-run care home’s recent £250,000 refurbishment.

The facility in Thorley Lane East has undergone a complete overall, now offering 59 en-suite rooms all equipped with televisions as well as modern furniture and soft furnishing.

The communal bathrooms have been fitted with a wet room and bathing equipment, with the bright and airy lounge and quiet room is ideal for functions and to entertain family and other visitors. The restaurant-style dining room is also a new addition, along with an improved multi-functional activities room and in-house salon.

Views across St Michael’s Mead lake and park have been improved and the gardens have been made over with a sensory area and herb and vegetable beds.

As part of the home’s relaunch, Bishop’s Stortford mayor Cllr Janice Elliott was invited to preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony and guests were given a guided tour. A buffet spread was also provided along with a selection of beverages, which were enjoyed while a violinist, pianist and accordion player performed in the background.

Premier Court customer advisor Neil Griffin said: “Very positive feedback was gratefully received on the day. A raffle was conducted for which all proceeds were donated to Isabel Hospice.”

Source: Herts and Essex Observer

Premier Court Residential and Nursing Home, Thorley Lane East, Thorley, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 4BH

http://www.comparecarehomes.com/premier-court-residential-and-nursing-home-cm23-4bh/3498#.UZsgM0rNhD0