Contracts exchanged for Critchill Court and Sunnymeade
Somerset Care can today confirm the exchange of contracts to transfer ownership of our Critchill Court care home in Frome, and Sunnymeade care home in Chard, to Agincare (Somerset) Limited.
Following the announcement of the proposed closure of these two care homes on 28th February, Agincare put forward a proposal to acquire the two care home businesses from Somerset Care, and take on the lease of the buildings from Somerset Council. Following assessment of this proposal by our solicitors, contracts have now been exchanged between Somerset Care and Agincare.
We have communicated this update with our staff teams, residents and their relatives today.
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.
It remains business as usual at Critchill Court and Sunnymeade, and we will continue to share updates with our team members, residents and their families as plans progress.