Wandsworth care homes secure future after Southern Cross collapse

The Ashmead Care Home in Putney's Cortis Road and the Heritage Care Home in Gearing Close, Tooting, were both being run by Southern Cross Healthcare Group- which, after months of financial difficulties, announced on Monday it was to shut down after all it's landlords decided to the leave the troubled group.

But both homes' owners - Life Style Care - have stepped in and will now take over the day-to-day running of the homes.

It will also retain all the existing staff and residents' care will remain unaffected.

Life Style provided care at both homes until 2007 when it sold the provision to Southern Cross and leased the buildings to it.

But now Southern Cross cannot afford to keep up with the rent it pays to its landlords, it is now in the process of transferring homes to it's landlords and new operators.

Wandsworth Council's cabinet member for adult care services, Councillor Jim Maddan, said he was relieved that elderly residents' immediate futures at these homes was secure and the transition had been a swift one.

He said: “We are pleased that Life Style Care has stepped in so quickly and agreed to take over the running of both homes, and that they will be doing this with all the existing staff.

“I am sure this will be a great relief to the residents and their families, who will appreciate the continuity of care this represents. The past few weeks when there have been persistent rumours and anxieties about the future of Southern Cross must have been a very difficult time for them.

“For our part, we will be monitoring events very closely indeed to make sure that all the residents continue to receive high quality care and we will be working with Life Style to support them in maintaining these high standards of care.”

For more information about Life Style Care visit www.lifestylecare.co.uk

Were you concerned about the future care of a relative? Contact the newsdesk on 02087226344 or email jtrueman@btinternet.com