Two Liverpool care homes that were set to close due to the economic impact of the pandemic are to remain open and be transferred to another operator.
An agreement has been reached with Bloomcare to allow the Brushwood in Speke and Millvina in Everton to continue providing care.
Last summer, Shaw Healthcare gave notice that they wished to cease as provider as it was no longer viable due to Covid resulting in low bed occupancy.
In September, an interim agreement was reached which meant that Shaw Healthcare would be able to keep the two homes open until the spring, while talks took place to find another operator.
Staff will transfer to local operator Bloomcare on their current terms and conditions, and existing residents will have their care protected with no top-up fees.
A virtual introduction meeting for relatives of residents will take place next week.
Acting Liverpool mayor Wendy Simon said: “We have been working hard behind the scenes over the last few months to identify a new operator committed to the long term future of both sites and we are delighted to have reached an agreement with Bloomcare.
“For residents, this provides certainty that they can stay in the homes with the same care. For staff, it means they will continue to be employed on the same terms and conditions,” she added.
The £8m Brushwood (pictured), which was the first care home built by Liverpool City Council since 1994, opened in October 2019. Millvina House opened the following month.
Bloomcare operations director Audrey Tan said: “We are thrilled to be able to incorporate the operation of Millvina and Brushwood into our company vision of providing excellence in dementia care across the north-west. It is our pleasure to be able to provide the continuity of care needed during these challenging times.
