Christopher Pincher MP Calls For Assurances on Haunton Hall

 The Member of Parliament for Tamworth, Haunton and Clifton Campville, Christopher Pincher, has called for any new operators of the Haunton Hall nursing home, Haunton, to be properly equipped to meet the demands of its residents.  It was during an adjournment debate that he spoke at length on this issue.

Southern Cross, the current operators of Haunton Hall, went into liquidation after all its 752 landlords expressed their desire to leave the group last month. Southern Cross has faced significant financial difficulty since March, after announcing that rent for its care homes were unsustainable.  Around a third of the homes have transferred operators, with the others still finalizing their plans.

In his speech to the Commons, Mr Pincher stated:

“During the next few weeks, scores of landlords of the Southern Cross care home company will be asked to nominate alternative operators who they wish to operate their properties following the failure of Southern Cross to meet its liabilities. In each case, any new operator will need to satisfy local authorities and regulators of their credentials before the transfer of any homes. Haunton Hall care home in my own constituency is one of those homes.”

Mr. Pincher added:

“I know that the Minister of State, Department of Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) mentioned this earlier, but I would be grateful if he would write to me outlining any actions or guidance that he proposes to ensure that the transition to new landlords is as orderly and as transparent as possible.”

Mr. Pincher has insisted that it is necessary for the in-coming operators to maintain the high quality care that residents are currently receiving. He also wants to ensure that all residents have a secure accomodation during the transitional phase, and also that the family members of the residents are closely informed about any decisions and progressions being made.  

Mr. Pincher has followed up by writing to Paul Burstow to ensure an urgent answer from the Department of Health.  Several residents’ families have already contacted Mr. Pincher worried about the future of Haunton Hall and he is planning to meet with the home managers to discuss the situation at the home.