Southern Cross yesterday published details of the new operators of its 6 care homes in Dudley. One of those homes, Ashbourne, is in Ian Austin MP’s Dudley North constituency and is due to be taken over by Loyd’s Nursing Home Group at the end of October.

Austin is seeking assurances that residents and staff will be not be affected by the transfer.

Loyd’s is currently in administration and before the homes are transferred, Dudley Council must assess the fitness of the new operators to run the care homes properly. Operators must prove that they have the financial strength to take over the homes and must provide a decent standard of care.

Ian Austin MP said:

“We now know who will be taking over the Southern Cross care homes in Dudley.

“It falls on the Council to assess the fitness of the new operators to run the care homes properly

“Given the upheaval residents had to go through following the collapse of Southern Cross, I’m concerned that they should have the security of knowing they are living in a well-run home, free from the threat of closure. The staff too deserve stability and their transfer on their existing terms and conditions should be handled properly and in full consultation with trade unions.

“We must ensure continuity of care for residents, and continuity of pay and conditions for staff.”