Future of Critchill Court care home secured

CRITCHILL Court care home in Frome has been saved from closure after Agincare announced it would incorporate the care home into their existing network of 29 care and nursing homes. 

Somerset Care previously said that they were consulting on the closure of both Critchill Court care home in Frome and Sunnymeade care home in Chard, following what they describe as rising costs and the “chronic underfunding” of the adult social care sector.  

A spokesperson for Agincare said, “We can confirm that we have exchanged contracts with Somerset Care regarding Critchill Court in Frome and Sunnymeade in Chard, and that our team are excited by the prospect of welcoming them into the existing network of 29 care and nursing homes. 

“We are a family-owned, independent care provider with strong values and over 37 years of experience delivering high quality care and support across the country. Our wide range of care services covers not only care homes but live-in care, home care, and supported living. 

“Agincare is a robust, agile and sustainable organisation that is extremely experienced in operating a broad range of care services, including care homes, where each home requires a different approach depending on the local community it serves.  What doesn’t change is our commitment to delivering high-quality personalised care for everyone that draws on our services, regardless of whether they are supported by a local authority, NHS or are self-funded. 

“Agincare’s success is built on strong partnerships, and our positive track record over many years is evidence of the successful transfer and management of care homes and other community services from local authorities, charities and other such organisations.  

“This includes Beaufort Park retirement and care home community in Burnham-on-Sea and Furlong Close supported living community in Rowde, both of which were at risk of closure before being transferred to Agincare and are now once again thriving places for people to live. 

“Agincare has a long-term and sustainable business plan, with no private equity investors, giving confidence in our future to everyone who draws on our services, and their loved ones, as well as to those who choose to build their career with us. We are proud of our skilled and caring workforce, and the inclusion of so many long-standing team members.

“We look forward to working with Somerset Council to manage, invest in and develop Critchill Court and Sunnymeade care homes, ensuring their long-term future, safeguarding jobs and providing local people with the peace of mind of having a home in their own community.”

“Right and responsible thing to do”

Somerset Care said, “As an independent, regional, privately-operated, not-for-profit care provider without any shareholders, it is sadly no longer financially viable or environmentally sustainable for Somerset Care to continue to deliver high-quality care in these two care homes. We therefore believe that transferring ownership of Critchill Court and Sunnymeade to Agincare is the right and responsible thing to do.  

“Somerset Care has exchanged contracts with Agincare, who are a family-owned care provider who operate a number of care homes around the country, including one in Somerset. They have committed to continuing to run the businesses as care homes, supporting current residents with care which meets their needs, in the environment which they already call home.

“The employment of all current staff at Critchill Court and Sunnymeade is protected in law. We view these plans as a positive opportunity for Critchill Court and Sunnymeade, and all those who live and work there.”

Martin Dimery, Somerset councillor for Frome West and Green Party parliamentary candidate for Frome and East Somerset said, “I’m delighted to have received the news that Somerset Care have negotiated a takeover of Critchill Court with Agincare (Somerset Ltd). 

“This should ensure that residents remain at Critchill Court and that staff jobs are secured. It’s also great news that Agincare will also take over Sunnymeade in Chard. 

“My thanks go to almost 400 people who signed the Frome petition as part of our campaign to save Critchill Court. I hope Agincare will be able to continue providing high quality care for the residents of Somerset.” 

Local MP Sarah Dyke added, “Having met recently with staff at Critchill Court and heard from them how unsettling this period has been, particularly for residents, I’m delighted by the news that contracts have now been exchanged.

“Those who call Critchill Court and Sunnymeade home have peace of mind in knowing they can stay and, as a result of this announcement, the staff with whom they’ve built relationships have job security. This is the best possible outcome for all concerned and I’m very grateful to Somerset Council, particularly Mel Lock, executive director of adult services, for facilitating it.”