Reassurance to MSPs over care homes

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon has written to colleagues to address concerns over the future of a care home company placed in administration.

The minister contacted all Scottish MSPs to pass on information about the Argus Care Group, which went into administration on Tuesday.

Argus employs 780 people and provides nursing, residential and respite care for 500 residents across 12 homes in Scotland.

In the letter, Ms Sturgeon said: “Two well-established consultant care providers, Care Concern and Select Care, have been appointed in the short term to oversee the management of care in the 12 homes.

“The intention is for these operators to take over in the longer term, subject to appropriate business terms being agreed and conditions being satisfied.

“The administrator will be writing to staff, residents and their families to inform them of these arrangements and give assurances about the continuity of care.”

She also informed MSPs that the National Contingency Planning group, set up in April 2011 to help statutory agencies address such circumstances, met yesterday to ensure an appropriate response was agreed by all authorities involved.