More than 250 jobs have been safeguarded at three North East care homes following a multimillion-pound deal by Malhotra Group Plc.
The Newcastle property, care and leisure company says it plans to plough significant investment into the trio of homes – which were formerly part of Four Seasons Healthcare – based in Howdon, Morpeth and Blyth. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
The newly acquired homes have been renamed, with the former Howdon Care Centre now named Eastside Gardens, East Riding Care Home as Bluebell Manor and Chasedale Care Home as Blythgate Manor. They will form part of Malhotra Group’s new care home brand, Lifestyle Care.
- Read more: Opencast reveals bumper results and eyes further 海角视频 bases
- Read more: Tyneside tech firm Test Driven Solutions launches bases in Canada and Poland
The company, which already owns 15 homes across the North East through its Prestwick Care brand, said the deal saved 257 jobs, but crucially secures 217 critical care beds across the region, offering both residential and nursing care, while also protecting vital community resources. Bunty Malhotra CEO of Malhotra Group said the company is now seeking to acquire further care homes to add to the new brand’s portfolio.
He said: “We are a North East based company with deep roots in the local communities. This strategic move aligns perfectly with our vision to expand and enhance Malhotra Group’s care offering in the region. I am confident that this acquisition will be greatly appreciated by the residents and staff. We will be investing significantly in refurbishing these three properties and are looking to expand the Lifestyle Care brand with further acquisitions.”
Lifestyle Care has also appointed Nicola Bowles as its chief operating officer.
Ms Bowles, who has 22 years of experience working in the care industry and who previously worked for Malhotra Group, said: “I am very excited to take the reins and use my extensive sector experience to further improve the quality of these newly acquired care homes for all who live and work in them. It is fantastic to be back working at Malhotra Group, it feels like a homecoming.”
The deal comes a month after Malhotra Group published results for its 2022/2023 financial year, which shows that, following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Prestwick Care and across the healthcare sector, occupancy rates continued to increase and stabilise, helping fee income within the care division to rise by 14% to £35m.
Most Read
The group said staff shortages across the care sector proved challenging during the year, but the business has put in place appropriate plans to address the issue. External ratings of the care homes also saw three homes rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and all other homes were rated as Good.
Work continues on the conversion of the former Rex Hotel at Whitley Bay, into the 83-bedroom Bay View House care home which will open next summer.