Liverpool City Council has stepped in to take control of Brushwood and Millvina care homes, following the decision by Bloomcare to cease its operation. The homes have 60 beds each and have been operated by Wellington Healthcare (Arden) Ltd, part of Bloomcare group, since 2021. Once Bloomcare’s contract ceases, Liverpool City Council will immediately become the registered provider of the homes, providing continuity of care for the residents, and stability for staff employed at both homes. The Council now needs to assess the needs of residents and staff operations to take interim control from mid-July 2024.
This is an exceptional situation because unlike other care homes across the city, the Council owns the two buildings in which the care homes are located. The provider has informed the Council it no longer wishes to run the homes and has given notice to end its contract. Liverpool City Council working alongside NHS partners will provide reassurance and run the homes to ensure continuity of care for residents. Care staff will be able to transfer to the Council, and talks with the relevant trade unions will now start. Bloomcare with the support of the Council has met with residents, families and staff to discuss the changes.
Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said, “The exiting of Bloomcare as a care provider is deeply disappointing, and is sadly indicative of the challenges faced by councils and the care home market nationally. We have been working hard behind the scenes to assess all of the options, minimising the risk to the Council while at the same time prioritising residents, and we now believe we have a way forward.” Councillor Angela Coleman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said, “Our priorities are to ensure continuity of care for residents, who will remain in familiar surroundings, while also delivering certainty for the staff. We see this as an opportunity to look at how we can work closely with staff to deliver improvements to ensure the quality of care is as good as it can be.”
Liverpool City Council will keep residents, their families, and staff up to date with the transfer and will answer any questions or concerns that they may have. With this move, Liverpool City Council has been able to manage the situation effectively and ensure that residents, as well as staff, continue to receive the necessary support, which demonstrates their commitment to providing quality care to the community
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