Council Statement On Transfer Of Southern Cross Homes

11th July 2011

The care home operator Southern Cross, which runs four homes in the Highlands, has announced that it intends to transfer their homes "to new operators in an organised fashion during the next few weeks".

Southern Cross states that: "Landlords will be asked to nominate alternative operators who they wish to operate their properties. Clearly, in all cases, new operators will need to satisfy local authorities and regulators of their credentials prior to the Company project managing the transfer of homes. Our commitment is that every resident and family member, together with each member of staff, will be thoroughly briefed in advance of any transfer taking place and that best practice will be followed. Currently, the expectation is that the process will take place on a phased basis from late August through to the end of October".

Southern Cross also says that it will be responsible for project managing the transfer programme.

CoSLA has confirmed this morning that it does not anticipate any closures of care homes in the short term and that it will continue to demand continuity of care from Southern Cross's landlords and the new care providers.

There are four Southern Cross establishments in Highland:
•Cradlehall, Inverness (50 beds)
•Castle Gardens, Invergordon (40 beds)
•Moss Park, Fort William (40 beds)
•Home Farm, Portree (40 beds)

Council Leader Michael Foxley said: "The Highland Council's expectation is that new care operators will be interested in these homes. Each home offers a good quality of care, is well used, and has good inspection grades and no major management issues.

"The Council would not expect to be involved in these commercial transactions unless there were difficulties in the negotiations, and either we are specifically asked to become involved, or if a landlord is unable to find a new provider to deliver the care service.

"Should it prove necessary to maintain the service, the Council has contingency arrangements to respond and assist. Continuity of care for the residents will be our first priority.

"However, today's announcement can start to bring this matter to a conclusion. We envisage that each home will transfer to a new care operator, who will be able to maintain the quality of care that has been delivered in each of these communities. The Council is willing and keen to work with all parties to support this process and ensure continuity during this period."