Business

Ann’s Care Homes in acquisition of 13 Four Seasons nursing homes

Tracey Palmer, Zoe Lewis and Michael McQuade from Ann’s Care Homes
Tracey Palmer, Zoe Lewis and Michael McQuade from Ann’s Care Homes Tracey Palmer, Zoe Lewis and Michael McQuade from Ann’s Care Homes

FAMILY-owned healthcare operator Ann’s Care Homes has paid an undisclosed sum to buy 13 of the 42 homes the troubled Four Seasons Health Care (FSHC) put up for sale last year.

Administrators for FSHC launched a process in October to sell the facilities after its parent company entered administration the previous April.

Ann’s Home Care, established as a domiciliary care agency in 1994 by its current owners Pat and Ann McQuade, said its purchase will secure 1,100 jobs and ensure the continuity of care for the homes' 650 residents.

The properties it has bought are Sandringham and Mahon Hall (Portadown), Dungannon, Strangford Court and Lecale Lodge (Downpatrick), Ashgrove (Newry), Seapatrick (Banbridge), Laganvale (Moira), Meadowbank and Ardlough (Derry), Rush Hall and Edenvale (Limavady) and Moneymore (Magherafelt).

Ann McQuade, director of Ann’s Care Homes said: “We're delighted to expand our business with the acquisition of these 13 homes.

“Our ethos is quality care that is delivered with integrity and consistency and the continuity of care of all residents at this time is our number one priority.

“We are working closely with FSHC, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority and the Regional Trusts to ensure a smooth migration of operations and all parties will ensure a seamless transfer for all stakeholders.

“We will continue to work with the teams to develop existing staff whilst delivering the highest quality care and support to the residents and their families.

“The distinctive character and personality of each of the acquired care homes will remain and there will be no changes in staffing. We are all one team and are dedicated to providing the highest standards of clinical care and support to maintain a high quality of life for all residents.”

When Four Seasons launched the process in October to sell the facilities after its parent's administration, it employed 2,200 people in Northern Ireland, and said its utmost priority was to ensure the safety, quality of life and continuity of care for all of its residents.

Carol Cousins, managing director Four Seasons Healthcare in Northern Ireland said: “Although it is with a degree of sadness we formally announce the sale of 13 operating care homes to Ann’s Care Homes, we are delighted to be transferring the ownership to a local business with a long and established homecare and agency service.

“We will work closely together and in conjunction with the local Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure a smooth transfer of the operations of the homes.

“There will be no job losses, and the staff will be offered continuity of employment, so people in the home receiving residential and nursing care have the assurance that they will be looked after by the same people who are caring for them now.”