Update on changes at MHA
A few months ago, I wrote about the changes MHA is making to ensure it remains on the right track to deliver on our mission to enable older people to live later life well. Since then, quite a bit has happened, so I wanted to provide an update.
We continue to keep residents, their families and friends, and our colleagues regularly updated. In addition, you can read ourfrequently asked questions about what is happening. If you have any questions, please email chiefoperatingofficer@mha.org.uk
Care homes
Firstly, following discussions with Ceredigion County Council, Hafan y Waun, our care home in Aberystwyth, will transfer to the ownership of the local authority by the end of September. The council already owned the lease to the building, so we were pleased when they decided to take over the running of the home. While all of us will be sorry to lose the home and its staff, residents and their families, and volunteers from MHA, I know they will be in good hands. In addition, MHA Communities Aberystwyth will also be transferring to Ceredigion County Council.
In terms of our other nine homes, which we are seeking to sell as going concerns, the response to the sales and marketing activity has been positive.
All the indicative bids have now been received and our specialist marketing and sales agency, Christie & Co, have worked with us to shortlist prospective buyers to visit the care homes. Those visits are now taking place and will continue throughout August. Buyers will be able to see for themselves the quality of care at the homes, as well as view the buildings and the grounds.
While people may be interested to know the names of potential buyers, I’m afraid we’re unable to share this information, due to the confidentiality of the process.
Following the visits, interested buyers will submit more detailed bids for us to consider. We expect to receive these in September, and the subsequent process of consideration and negotiation will likely take a couple of months before final decisions are reached.
The timetable we outlined at the start of the process is therefore still on track, with handover to new owners hopefully taking place in early 2024.
As a reminder, the homes are:
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Allesley Hall in Coventry
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Harwood Court in Cramlington
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Greenways in Bognor Regis
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Engelberg in Wolverhampton
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Queenswoodin Beeston, Nottingham
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Herondale/Kingfisher inBirmingham
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Connell Court in Southport
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Cedar Lawn in Stratford upon Avon
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Avonleigh Gardens in Oldham
Affected staff at these homes will be given the opportunity to transfer to the new providers under the formal legal process known as TUPE regulations.
If we find ourselves having to close any care homes, due to being unable to achieve a sale, we will support residents and their families to find new homes. In relation to affected staff, we would hope to find new roles for them inside MHA, if there are suitable opportunities and people want to stay with us. Otherwise, we will help them to find new jobs elsewhere.
Money raised from the sale of the care homes will be used to invest in the fabric of our remaining homes and schemes and in new services for the benefit of our residents.
As it has always done, MHA will continue to review and assess our homes and schemes to ensure they meet and adapt to people’s changing needs, ensure financial sustainability, and remain valuing places to live.
Scottish schemes
When MHA placed Auchlochan Garden Village into administration, along with its two associated care homes, the decision was made to withdraw from our three smaller schemes in Scotland with a view to selling these.
The schemes are Wesley Court in Granton near Edinburgh, Taransay Court in Milton near Glasgow, and St Andrew's Court in East Kilbride.
Two housing providers have now visited the three schemes and remain interested in acquiring them. They are now being formally valued to enable the sale process to proceed.