Lifeways aquires learning disability services from Care UK

Care UK has confirmed that its services to support people with learning disabilities are to be acquired by Lifeways, the specialist care provider which already offers specialist support services to over 4,750 people with complex needs. Care UK currently supports around 1,000 people with learning disabilities.

Care UK said it was refocusing its portfolio of health and social care services as part of a strategic programme to focus on the development of its market leading provision of primary and secondary NHS health services and on its development of residential care services.

The acquisition of its specialist mental health services by Partnerships in Care was announced earlier in May and the organisation is continuing to progress its strategic review process regarding the potential acquisition of Care UK’s domiciliary care services.

Mike Parish, Chief Executive, said: “By focusing our strategy and investment we are able to enhance our market leading services to meet the needs of our customers, patients and service users.

“I consider Care UK’s learning disability services to be amongst the best in the country for personalisation and quality and our teams will contribute hugely to Lifeways’ continuing success.”

Service users and commissioners should not see any change in services and front line colleagues, directors and operational leaders are expected to transfer to the Lifeways Group on their existing terms and conditions.

Care UK will continue to develop services across both the health and social care sectors, reflecting the increasing move towards joined up commissioning and integrated service design.

The organisation continues to be the leading independent provider of elective surgery, free at the point of use for NHS patients through 10 NHS treatment centres, and is the largest independent provider of healthcare within the justice system, of out of hours GP services and the NHS 111 urgent care telephone service.

Care UK’s programme of new residential and nursing care homes has delivered 18 new facilities over the past two and a half years, with at least 15 more to come over the next three years.

Mike Parish added: “Our market leadership in the independent provision of NHS services alongside the most ambitious programme of new build residential care homes provides Care UK with an innovative and well-funded basis to continue to meet people’s needs and add value to customers of both health and social care. Care UK continues to have supportive shareholders who will continue to actively support its services and its growth and development strategy.

“I greatly appreciate the commitment of all colleagues within our learning disability services and the outstanding contribution they have made to Care UK’s success. I wish them well within the Lifeways organisation.”