Care home warns it will close unless new buyer is found

The owners of a Teesside care home have told residents they will be forced to shut down within two weeks unless they can find a buyer.

Teesside Live reported that the owner of Newland House in Stockton, Angela Robinson, had issued the warning to residents in a letter this month.

The letter dated January 4 warns of the likelihood of the home’s closure if a buyer is not found in the next two weeks.

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Newland House, which can accommodate up to 30 people, was rated ‘requires improvement’ by the CQC in its last inspection in July and August.

The service was rated ‘inadequate’ in the well-led KLOE, with the CQC commenting on “insufficient management support” in the absence of the registered manager and low staff morale.

“The assistant manager did not have knowledge of all processes and systems necessary to oversee the day to day running of the service,” the CQC said.

The report added there were “insufficient” numbers of staff on duty, adding that while meeting basic care needs, staff were “rushed” and did not have time to talk to residents and engage in activities.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, said: “The home’s owners have notified us of their intention to close the home and we will be working with the home’s 12 residents and their families to find suitable alternative accommodation to meet their needs.

“We will be doing everything we can to support residents and family members – our focus will be on minimising upset and distress and ensuring residents are safe and cared for during this very difficult time.”

Mrs Robinson declined to comment when contacted by CHP.