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Anglesea Heights Care Home in Ipswich to close, bosses announce

Anglesea Heights Care Home in Ipswich, which is due to close. Picture: SIMON PARKER

One of the biggest care homes in Ipswich is closing – and the news has come as a shock to residents and their families.

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The chief executive of Healthwatch Suffolk, Andy Yacoub, said he was concerned for the welfare of residents currently living at Anglesea Heights after hearing the news from BUPA. Picture: GREGG BROWN The chief executive of Healthwatch Suffolk, Andy Yacoub, said he was concerned for the welfare of residents currently living at Anglesea Heights after hearing the news from BUPA. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Bosses at Anglesea Heights Care Home have announced they will be shutting the facility, which is privately run by BUPA, over a “lack of local demand”.

Only 40 residents are currently living at the Anglesea Road premises despite the home having capacity to house 120, chiefs said.

Managing director for BUPA care homes Barry Yarnley said: “It’s with regret that we’re announcing the closure of Anglesea Heights care home, due to a lack of local demand. Our residents’ wellbeing remains our top priority, which is why we’re working closely with the local authority and NHS partners to help find new homes for all our residents. Anglesea Heights will remain open until then.”

Back in 2016, Anglesea Heights was named among six homes that were considered to be under performing by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It was put into special measures that same year but was lifted out again in April 2017 alongside nine others.

Anglesea Heights currently has a CQC rating of ‘requires improvement’.

One relative said the news, which is understood to have been delivered to staff, residents and families this afternoon, has come as a “real shock”.

Healthwatch Suffolk chief executive Andy Yacoub said he is concerned for the welfare of people currently at Anglesea Heights after hearing the news.

“We hope that they and their families are aware of what is happening and the timescales involved,” he said.

“There is also the possibility of the residents having to move to other locations, this is clearly extremely stressful for frail and vulnerable people such as those receiving care in nursing homes.”

Mr Yacoub added that it is the role of Suffolk County Council and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to decide which care home beds to buy.

BUPA bosses said chiefs understand the news may be concerning for residents and their families – and added that they are working hard to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

Rebecca Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for adult care, said: “It’s always disappointing when situations like this arise, however we are working closely with BUPA and our NHS partners to ensure that all residents are supported through the closure and with finding new homes.”