Shropshire care home closure plan appalling, say sisters

They say the decision to close the Westlands care home in Wem would be "heartless" and will rid Shropshire of one of the best centres in the county.

Coverage Care Services announced this week it will soon begin consultation into the proposals, with a view to officially close by April 1.

But the families of residents who receive or have received care at the home have spoken of their anger at the announcement and are disappointed by the lack of notice given.

Sandra Smith, 53, of West Felton near Oswestry, and sister Heather Francis, 61, of Albert Road in Sundorne, Shrewsbury, said the care their mother, Marian Brown, had received at her time in the home was fantastic.

Mrs Smith said: "I am appalled by the closure. My mother was a resident there for three years before she died the week before Christmas.

"In my opinion it is one of the best care homes in Shropshire and the staff are absolutely dedicated.

"We need places like this to stay open – there is not enough dementia care in Shropshire."

Her sister, Mrs Francis added: "I really think it is very heartless. It shouldn't be happening and I wish there was something we could do to stop it from closing – a petition or campaign or something.

"It's all down to money and it shouldn't be when it comes to healthcare, the care should be the priority."

Another woman from Ellesmere, who wished not to be named, said she had been left "disgruntled" by the news.

"I think it is disgusting, especially when they have not given us time to do anything," she said.

"I think it is one of the best care homes around – the staff are really caring and lovely.

"My mother is 97 years old and I wouldn't say she loves it there but she has got used to it. I am disgruntled and hope someone gets a petition set up."

Ben Tomnay, of Shawbury, said his wife, Noreen, 77, had been a resident in there for about three years. "It's more like a family than a care home," he said. "All the girls are caring and I am happy with the care my wife has got and continues to receives.

"I thought the notification could have been better. Miracles do happen though."

Corinne Perry, of Wem, said her 80-year-old mother is a current resident at the care home and admitted they have been left with difficult choices to make.

"We now have difficult choices to make regarding my mother's future care with, at the moment, seemingly little advice from Coverage Care who must have known of their intention to close a long time ago," she said.

The closure of the care home, in Station Road, will leave 54 employees and 31 long-term residents forced to relocate. Coverage Care Services said the closure came amid financial struggles and ongoing building repairs.

Chief executive of the care service company David Coull said that it was expected that the home would close in April following a final decision expected by March 3.

He added they will be keeping families, residents and staff fully informed of the process.