A CARE home branded inadequate by inspectors is to close, The Northern Echo has learnt.

Manor Park Care Home, in Owton Manor, Hartlepool, which was subject to enforcement action from the Care Quality Commission, is closing after what operator Four Seasons Health Care said was careful consideration.

It is understood relatives of its 32 elderly residents were given the news on Thursday (July 7) afternoon.

The firm said the proposal was unavoidable based on the fact that the home was operating at a loss, while the number of residents was well below its capacity of 49.

It also said there had been “challenges with maintaining care quality to the standards that we expect all of our homes to provide”.

A consultation has begun with its 53 staff who are expected to be offered the chance to move to the company’s other care homes within the region.

Amanda Cunningham, regional managing director for Four Seasons Health Care, said: “The wellbeing of residents is our priority and we will work closely with Hartlepool Borough Council’s social services team to ensure that the residents and their families are supported to find suitable alternative placements.

“We hope they will choose another of our homes in the area, although it is entirely their choice. “Manor Park will continue to provide care while we allow plenty of time for the most appropriate arrangements to be made for all residents and we will do everything we can to ensure there is no disruption to their care during the transition.

“We will also consider applications for staff to transfer to our other homes, subject to there being suitable vacancies.”

She added: “In common with other leading care providers Four Seasons Health Care reviews its portfolio of care homes throughout the UK, with consideration of changing market conditions, including patterns of demand, and their operational performance.

“The proposed closure of any home is not something we take lightly, but we have to focus on homes that are capable of operating successfully to deliver high standards of care for the longer term.”

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesman said it would work closely with residents and their families to identify alternative accommodation for the residents.

He said: “The council’s priority is to ensure that older people who need support receive good quality care that ensures their safety and wellbeing is maintained.”