Care home celebrates in style after being saved from closure

Residents, their families, and care home staff enjoyed a summer fair at Chadderton Total Care.

The event, which included a barbecue, games and a visit from an ice cream van, was held as a special celebration after staff found out last month that Oldham Council had stepped in to save the home from closure.

Jeanette McDowall, Homes Service Assistant at Chadderton Total Care, said: "The news of the takeover by Oldham Council is probably the best outcome we could have asked for.

"The uncertainty of what was going to happen next was difficult not only for the residents of the home, but the workforce of 200-plus people."

Donna Reading, Homes Service Manager, said: "I am very grateful to Oldham Council for saving not only my job but those of my staff."

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, was among those who joined staff and residents at the party yesterday.

She said: "I know just how hard staff in our care sector work, so it was a privilege to go along yesterday to meet all of the amazing people at Chadderon Total Care and thank them for everything that they do.

"When I had to make the decision on whether or not to step in and save this home from closing, I knew the right thing to do was to do everything I could to keep it open.

"I was not going to let over 200 people lose their jobs and have to make more than 100 residents, many of whom are elderly and very vulnerable, find a new place to live – that was unacceptable.

"After meeting the staff here, it's clear how passionate everyone is about providing great care to Chadderton's residents.

"I'm proud of what we did and of the amazing team at Chadderton, who have my full support."

Earlier this year the council was made aware by the owner of the care home that Chadderton Total Care was facing financial difficulties following challenging times for the health and care sector.

Sadly this situation deteriorated further and the home went into administration in July with a significant risk of closure, putting 200 staff - including nurses, specialist support workers and front-line carers’ jobs - at risk. 

Around 100 residents, many with complex needs and requiring specialist nursing care, would have had to be relocated - probably outside the borough away from families. 

The council considered that this would have a highly negative impact on the wellbeing and health of the residents as well as resulting in a loss of jobs and so the Cabinet agreed that the council should step in to keep the care home open, protecting both staff and residents. 

Jenny Simpson, from the homes Engagement Team, thanked the council for keeping Chadderton Total Care open, and said: "I think that going forward it will be beneficial for the staff, residents and families."

Patricia Cunningham, Mental Health Nurse, added: "The staff here on the Saddleworth Unit think that Oldham Council are going to do a really good job."

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.