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Care Home Saved: Private Buyer Steps In
20 Oct
Summary
- A private provider has offered to purchase the Henry Cornish Care Centre.
- The council planned to close the home, saving £460,000 annually.
- The potential buyer aims to retain existing staff and residents.
A potential buyer has emerged for the Henry Cornish Care Centre in Chipping Norton, offering a glimmer of hope against the Oxfordshire County Council's plans for closure. The council initiated a consultation to close the facility, projecting savings of £460,000 annually due to underutilized nursing beds. A volunteer, Roger Tyrrell, whose mother passed away at the center, highlighted the community's desire to keep the home open.
The facility, purpose-built 15 years ago, has 14 underused nursing beds that cost the council significantly. While the residential aspect is reportedly thriving, the nursing beds, initially for hospital discharge support, have seen declining use. The council stated these funds would be better utilized for more complex care needs.
Chipping Norton Town Council has urged the county council to explore alternatives before proceeding with closure, emphasizing the potential disruption to vulnerable residents, families, and staff. They suggested reassessing the commissioning model and considering other providers.
Charlie Vaughan-Lee, who owns a similar care home in south Oxfordshire, has submitted an initial proposal. His plan includes retaining all current staff and residents while releasing the council from its contract for the 14 nursing beds. Vaughan-Lee expressed his commitment to investing in the home, ensuring it remains a community hub providing excellent care.
The Oxfordshire County Council confirmed receiving the offer, clarifying the decision was not solely financially motivated, and acknowledged the community's concerns. The consultation period concludes on October 21, 2026, with a definitive decision expected on December 1, 2026.
