Uncertainty still hangs over Inverness care home
THE future of Cradlehall Nursing Home in Inverness remains unclear after its operator Southern Cross Healthcare announced it is shutting down.
Staff at the facility, in Cradlehall Court, refused to discuss the situation when contacted by The Inverness Courier yesterday.
The home has room for 50 residents.
"It is currently envisaged that the existing group will cease to be an operator of homes," said a spokeswoman for Southern Cross Healthcare.
The decision came after landlords of the care homes said they wanted to leave the group and trading of the company’s shares was suspended.
Landlords are understood to still be committed to providing continuity of care to residents.
Uncertainty has surrounded the future of the Cradlehall home for weeks.
Last month operators Southern Cross Healthcare announced plans to cut 3000 jobs nationwide by October.
It was on the brink of collapse because it could no longer afford its £250 million rent bill.
Highland Council has assured it could take over the short-term operation of the Cradlehall home, which offers care for people with dementia.
Southern Cross had 44,000 staff nationwide, looking after 31,000 residents in 752 homes and was the UK’s largest care home operator.
"We are now able to begin clarifying the arrangements for the future operation of our homes," said Christopher Fisher, chairman of the firm.
"The process of change on which we are now embarking involves considerable effort on the part of our management and staff and their commitment and loyalty is much appreciated.
"We anticipate that the period of uncertainty which we have been experiencing will now draw to a close.
"We regret the loss of value which shareholders have experienced."