30 jobs to go as Gloucestershire announces closure

Relatives of frail and elderly residents of a Cheltenham nursing home have been left shocked after it was announced the place they expected to live out their days would close.
The Barrington Lodge Nursing Home told its 30 staff and 18 residents to find alternative accommodation and employment last week.

Bupa, the private health firm which owns the Charlton Kings property, said the building was no longer fit for purpose for the increasingly complex needs of its residents.

It has set up a special team to ensure the successful resettlement of all its elderly residents and is in consultation with staff to transfer them to other Bupa homes

Daphne Sanderson, who is a care ambassador for Gloucestershire, said elderly people found it extremely upsetting to have to move.

Mrs Sanderson, who is friends with a relative of one of the home’s residents, said: “People don’t willingly want to put their relatives in a home.

“They do it as a last resort. To see relatives put through the pressure of having to find somewhere suitable is disgraceful.

“It takes a long time to find a place where they can feel comfortable.”

Christina Snell, from Age UK Gloucestershire said: “We are always concerned to learn about a care home closing, when the residents expected it to be their last home.

“It causes great stress to the families and residents.

“It must be a worrying time for them.”

The 46-bed home looks after patients who are over 65 and with conditions such as Parkinson’s. Care and healthcare of some of the residents is part funded by the NHS and Gloucestershire Council.

Helen Bown, joint health and social care commissioner for older people, said: “I want to reassure residents and their families that we’ll do everything possible working with the provider to ensure everyone receives full support in arranging transfers to other appropriate care homes in a safe, sensitive and controlled way.

“Making sure all residents continue to receive a high level of care throughout this difficult time is a priority.”

Kevin Mochrie, head of communications, corporate affairs for Bupa said: “We announced last week that we intend to close the home.

“It’s sad but it’s something we have to do.

“We will do everything we can to make that as smooth as can be. The home won’t close until the last person has found a happy home.”