|
Member of Parliament for Bradford East@DavidWardMP on Twitter and Facebook |
 |
David Ward MP <>
David presses Ministers for reassurance for care home residents
June 7, 2011 11:17 AM
Bradford MP, David Ward, has pressed the Care Minister for greater reassurance for the residents of the District's four Southern Cross care homes.
The future of the homes is in question after the operator, Southern Cross Healthcare, announced that it was on the brink of collapse. Southern Cross has deferred 30% of its rent payments over the next four months, while it tries to come up with a restructuring plan that will save the business.
Speaking in the House of Commons today, David Ward asked the Care Minister to offer effective support to ensure that the residents of Southern Cross homes in Bradford receive continuity of care.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"Two Southern Cross nursing homes and one residential home are based in my constituency and I know that the families of all of the residents are very worried by recent reports that the homes could close.
"I am pleased that the Minister was able to guarantee that suitable care would be found for Southern Cross residents if the homes are to close, but this does not go far enough. Many of the people who are looked after in these homes are extremely vulnerable and the Government has a responsibility to ensure that they receive continuity of care. They should not face being moved from home to home while suitable places are found.
"Residential care is already under severe pressure in Bradford and adding a further 200 very vulnerable people to this will push the system to the limit. I will be seeking assurances from the Council that they will deliver on their promise of an extra Care Home in Bradford East before any of the Council-run residential care homes are closed. The experience of residents in Southern Cross run homes highlights the real need for the Council to bring forward without delay the building of a brand new extra care home in Bradford East."