Talks over future of Stornoway care home 11/7/11
The Blar Buidhe care home in Stornoway faces an uncertain few months after the collapse of operator Southern Cross.
The national care home company is closing down amid deep money problems.
The leased property at Blar Buidhe will be given up and handed back to its owner.
It will remain open for the immediate future. Existing staff will be asked to stay on, albeit under a new employer, to ensure continuity of care for residents.
However, in common with hundreds of other care homes run by the same firm, its long term future is unclear. Some may be sold on while others will continue as a care facility under new management.
The Comhairle and the Scottish Government are drawing up contingency plans to ensure the ongoing care for elderly residents. Alternative accommodation may be provided.
One unknown factor is the identity of Blar Buidhe’s owner. There would be some reassurance if it has a presence in the care home sector as a management team could be installed fairly quickly.
A council spokesman said: “The Comhairle’s first priority is the well-
He added: “Cosla do not anticipate any closures of care homes in the short term and continues to seek continuity of care from landlords and providers.”
MSP Alasdair Allan said: "I have been keeping in touch with both Southern Cross and the health secretary on this matter.
“It must be said that getting any information out of Southern Cross in recent weeks has proved no easy task, but the Scottish Government has made clear commitments that it will undertake to ensure that no residents of Southern Cross homes will be left in need should their current business model fail.”
Mr Allan added: "With news today that the firm is being wound up, my primary concern is to ensure the welfare of residents of Blar Buidhe in Lewis.
“Having spoken with the Comhairle by phone about this today I believe every measure is being taken to ensure residents are given the assurances they deserve.”
He continued: "The Scottish Government's National Contingency Planning Group is meeting on Thursday to establish both the future ownership and management of the sites which Southern Cross has been running across Scotland, Blar Buidhe among them.
“The Comhairle will be represented at this meeting. As soon as these matters are clarified, I will be seeking a meeting with representatives of the organisations concerned in the running of Blar Buidhe to ensure that residents rights and needs are paramount.
“I do not believe that there is any reason for immediate concern on this front, but I am of course very willing to meet any residents, families or staff who wish me to raise any particular issues."