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Changes are to be made to the designation of some beds at the Hafan Y Waun home in Aberystwyth run by national charity MHA.
The national shortage of nurses has meant it has been difficult for MHA to recruit nursing staff so it has reluctantly decided to re-designate the 20 nursing beds at the 90-bed home to residential care.
Residents and relatives, along with staff, have been told of the changes, which will take place by the end of March 2016. Residents will be supported by MHA staff to help find a new home although it is anticipated a small number will be able to stay at Hafan Y Waun following re-assessment of their needs. There are currently 12 residents on the nursing unit.
Current nursing staff will be offered places elsewhere by MHA if they wish to re-locate. Six nursing staff will be affected – other care staff on the nursing unit will continue in their roles after the change happens.
MHA Regional Director Karen Slater said: “Existing nursing staff are having to work many extra shifts to make sure there is enough cover at the home to make sure residents are cared for safely. In addition, the management team has also had to cover some nursing shifts. This is unsustainable.
“The safety and care of our residents is our priority. Unfortunately, repeated attempts to recruit new nursing staff both here and overseas have not been successful so we have reluctantly had to make this decision to withdraw from nursing care. The beds will be converted to residential care.
“We know that residents and their relatives will be concerned about this change and the need for them to move home. We will make sure we help and support them in every way possible to find a new home.
“We also know that this is a difficult time for our staff but we can assure them that, if they wish to re-locate, they can have a place in our other homes that offer nursing care. If they decide not to take up this option, we are confident that they will be able to find a new role elsewhere locally due to their experience and skills.”
MHA has met with Ceredigion County Council and Hywel Dda health board to inform them of the decision. We will continue to work closely with them on the provision of services locally.