MHA to reluctantly close Churchfields in Nottingham

MHA has announced it is to reluctantly close Churchfields care home in Radford, Nottingham.

In the four years since MHA took over the running of Churchfields from the former Southern Cross company, the home has lost more than £2 million. This is resource the charity would prefer to invest in providing services to support more older people.

The national charity’s Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to close the 71-place home from mid-May, citing the need to use its resources more effectively to help as many older people as possible.

In addition, the home urgently needs at least £0.5 million worth of investment to upgrade the buildings with work needed on the roof, windows, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms with the likelihood of more funds being needed in the near future.

Part of the losses at the home are due to under-occupancy – there are currently 48 residents – as there is an over-supply of places within the area, coupled with the fact local authority fees do not cover all of MHA’s costs.

Revd Dr Keith Albans, Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality, said: “Closing Churchfields is not an easy option for us and we are fully aware of the distress this announcement will be causing our residents and their relatives.

“It is regrettable however, as a charity, we have to make sure we use our resources wisely to help as many older people as possible.

“In addition, the home needs significant money spending on it to upgrade the building due to its age and bring the facilities up to the standards which people expect from us.

“We are working closely with our health and social care colleagues to provide support and guidance to residents and their families to help them identify suitable new homes and to make their move go as smoothly as possible.”

The 78 staff who work full and part time at the home in various roles will be offered posts at other MHA homes of they wish to transfer. Relocation packages will be available if needed.

MHA provides not just care homes but also retirement living schemes and community-based support for older people through its Live at Homes schemes. The charity hopes to develop an alternative use for the site based on the services it provides elsewhere.