PRIVATE healthcare giant BUPA have been urged to think again over a shock move to close a care home which houses more than 40 elderly and vulnerable residents.

The company has been criticised after it was announced Hillview Care Home, in Eston, Middlesbrough, was to shut.

The facility, which the Care Quality Commission said required improvement in its last inspection, could close in just over two months time.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said it was “extremely disappointed at such a sudden move”.

There was further criticism from the local authority’s cabinet member for adults, Councillor David Walsh, who said: “Re-housing over 40 elderly and vulnerable people is a task that cannot be done overnight.

“Talk of periods like eight weeks before the building is locked and bolted is totally insufficient to successfully and humanely undertake the delicate task of locating and booking beds in other local homes.”

Cllr Walsh said BUPA could afford to keep the care home open and they should think again about their decision.

He said: “We need more capacity as our elderly population grows, not less.”

Patrick Rice, adults and communities interim corporate director at Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: “The council are extremely disappointed with BUPA at such a sudden move.

“There have been ongoing concerns regarding the quality of care, however, the residents regard Hillview as their home and they have now been told that they will have to move out.

“I appreciate that this will be a distressing time for residents and their families, but we will work closely with them, as well as with the care home and health services to ensure all residents are safely moved to a new care home.”

Aileen Waton, a director of Bupa Care Services for the North of England and Scotland, said: “It’s with regret that we’re announcing the closure of Hillview care home. Providing our residents with the best care is always our priority.

“Our approach is always to minimise disruption for our residents, as well as for their families and our staff. Working with the local authority and NHS partners, we’re now focused on ensuring our residents find a suitable new home to live in.”