New provider to manage Shrewsbury care home

A new provider is due to manage Crowmoor House residential care home in Shrewsbury in a deal that will see improvements for residents, as well as saving the taxpayer about £1.75 million. 

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet approved a report on Wednesday 4 July 2012 which recommended Coverage Care as the preferred bidder to manage Crowmoor House, following a competitive bidding process.  Negotiations to agree all practical arrangements will now take place with Coverage Care with the aim of having the new operator in place in early 2013. 

Residents and families have been well informed and supported over the past year as the bidding process has taken place, and all residents will remain at the home when the changes take place.  There will be no changes to the level of care provided.

Coverage Care is intending to continue to train and develop staff and maintain the current Care Quality Commission rating for the home.  Existing residents, both older people and adults with learning disabilities, will experience continuity of care. 

By awarding the contract, £1.75 million of savings will be achieved by Shropshire Council over a five-year period, as well as realising a capital asset of around £1.8 million which can be reinvested into other capital projects. 

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, said: 

“We are extremely passionate about providing excellent public services to our residents.  The bid assessment has been thorough and all bids received were of a very high quality.  However, the successful contractor’s bid provides the best overall value. 

“The appointment of Coverage Care will offer better value for money for local people, while ensuring continuity of care for current residents as well as the potential of major development in new local facilities in the future.  We have been sensitive to residents and their families during this period, and ongoing support will continue right up to the date of transfer.” 

Existing council staff will transfer to the new provider under TUPE regulations on their current terms and conditions of employment. 

Further information 

Coverage Care is an experienced local provider of residential, nursing and domiciliary care in Shropshire, with full compliance with Care Quality Commission registration and care standards.  Utilising its local workforce it has a proven track record in the independent care home sector as a not for profit organisation with a strong commitment to investing in Shropshire and also in staff training and development.