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BRISTOL CHARITIES ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF CARE HOME OPERATION AT BENGOUGH’S HOUSE

The Trustees of Bristol Charities have decided to close their care home operation at Bengough‘s House in Henbury.

The closure, which would not take effect for 18 months, marks the end of a 30-day consultation on the future of the site in Passage Road.

The Trustees believe its current use will not meet the future needs of older people.

David Jones, Chief Executive of Bristol Charities, said some of the existing residents may choose to live at the new John Foster‘s Almshouse, which the organisation will be opening on an adjacent site in 2008. Some 18 “extra care” flats will be built on the site of the former John Milton Clinic.

“We will keep Bengough‘s House operating as a fully staffed and resourced care home for the next 18 months, until the new site is ready for occupation,” said Mr Jones.

“The Trustees have been reviewing the future operation of Bengough‘s House, its facilities and the type of care that it provides, against the background of the changing requirements of older people.

“In particular the Trustees have paid due attention to the general desire for older people to maintain their independence, and this has been the primary factor behind what has been a very difficult decision.

“Over the next week or so, contact will be made with individual residents and families, in order to arrange meetings to discuss future care requirements.

“We remain committed to working with individual families for whom a move to the new almshouse is inappropriate, and with social services and other relevant partners.”

Bengough‘s charity dates back to 1818, when Alderman Henry Bengough decided to leave property for the creation of an almshouse charity. It was not until 1877 that there were sufficient funds to build the almshouse, which was located on Horfield Road. That building was sold in 1990 and the current building was opened in 1996.

 

ENDS             1st December 2006

For further information please contact Neil Fraser, Sturgess Van Damme, on 01275 349011 or email neil@sturgessvandamme.co.uk