Job losses loom at care home 'too expensive to fix' (From This Is Local London)

Wimbledon Guild announces potential job losses after Rosemary Lodge care home branded 'too expensive to fix'

6:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

A care home run by a charity for more than 60 years could face closure.

Rosemary Lodge, in Wimbledon Village, is facing closure after consultants commissioned to conduct an independent survey of the building told the charity it would be too expensive to comply with health and safety standards.

They said even with an investment of £1.5m, the building would still fall short on health and safety, legal and residential care requirements needed in the future.

A spokeswoman for the Wimbledon Guild, which runs the home, said: “The building at Rosemary Lodge complies with current health and safety requirements per our most recent CQC report in August 2012.

“We have been, however, looking to the future and how these requirements might be met in the long-term.

“The expert advice after a detailed study indicated it might be difficult to refurbish Rosemary Lodge to the standards probably needed for 2015 and beyond.”

The charity announced plans this week to enter into a 30-day consultation period on the closure of the premises with residents and their families due to be informed this week.

Rosemary Lodge employs 49 full and part-time staff and looks after 39 OAPs.

Wimbledon Guild chief executive Wendy Pridmore said: “Our first priority is to support the needs of the residents and their families at this time.

“We want the best possible outcome for each person and if the outcome is closure, we will be exploring all possible solutions to find new homes for our residents.

“Staff will be fully supported through the consultation process with full access to the Wimbledon Guild’s HR consultant and counselling services.”