main content Garden reception marks new era for care homes

Residents of Bromley Council’s six residential care homes for older people enjoyed a garden reception with their friends, relatives and carers to mark a new era for the homes.

A jazz band entertained guests at the event at Anne Sutherland House, held to celebrate the transfer of the homes to Shaw healthcare.

There were displays about recruitment and training opportunities with Shaw Healthcare, and representatives of the organisation and the Council’s Social Services and Housing department were on hand to give advice and information.

Executive Councillor for Social Care, Health and Housing Councillor Chris Phillips said: “This was a wonderful way to welcome Shaw healthcare to the borough and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

“We have been impressed with the way they have taken on the running of our homes and we have every confidence that the management team will continue to improve the quality of care we provide.”

The Council is currently working with Shaw healthcare to consider proposals for a major redevelopment of the service. Residents, their relatives, carers and staff will continue to be consulted about the future of our services.

Jeremy Nixey, Chief Executive of Shaw healthcare, said: “This party was vivid and enjoyable for everyone: staff and residents from Anne Sutherland and other homes, Councillors and officers of Bromley Council, and Shaw’s London management team. Everyone has worked, and does work, as one team to enhance the life and enjoyment of these homes, and the party showed it.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• the six homes which transferred to Shaw healthcare on 1 April are: Anne Sutherland House (Penge), Bellegrove (St Paul’s Cray), Isard House (Hayes), Kingswood House (Shortlands), Manorfields (Orpington) and Sheila Stead House (Chislehurst);
• Shaw healthcare was set up in 1986 to develop and operate care homes in partnership with local authorities and the NHS; it runs more than 70 homes, totalling 2,500 beds and 3,500 staff across the UK;
• photographs are available on request.

For media enquiries, please contact Richard Simcox, Communications Officer, on 020 8313 4310, or email richard.simcox@bromley.gov.uk.