The former boss of a well known retreat for the rich and famous is to become the man in charge of the welfare of approximately one third of the residents in the homes formerly run by Southern Cross.
Ex NHS man in charge
Chai Patel, who started out as a National Health Service doctor, was the man behind the Priory Clinics set up, which was famous for looking after the needs of celebrities who had indulged a little too much in the trappings of fame. His company, Court Cavendish, will now be organising rented landlord insurance on 250 of the homes that formerly fell under the umbrella of Southern Cross care. The homes belong to NHP, who were one of the main players in the eventual demise of Southern Cross when they pulled out of negotiations on lowering the rental demands on the troubled care home provider.
Patients and staff delighted
The news will not only be good for the residents, Dr Patel has confirmed the homes will also retain the staff in a bid to ensure a smooth handover from the auspices of Southern Cross. It will come as a relief to residents and staff, and Dr Patel has also confirmed the former business model of Southern Cross will not be embraced by the new management team. He said the new company will own and run the homes and be responsible for every detail down to the property insurance.
Nothing but the best
He promised the residents that the care they receive will be nothing but the best. In a reference to concerns by relatives of those in care homes across the country who have seen disturbing reports about the care of their elderly parents, he said the people in his homes would receive the same level of care he would expect his own mother to get. So confident is Dr Patel of making a success of the project he has promised to donate some of his expected profits to the charity, the Bright Future Trust, set up by him and his wife, which helps young people.
Still concerns for thousands of residents
The announcement by NHP means that approximately two thirds of the 742 homes that were run by Southern Cross now have a secured future; however, it still leaves around 10,000 residents pondering an uncertain one.