Cromore CareHome to close: Four Seasons

The company says it is working to relocate the 13 remaining residents and 32 staff.

In a statement, Four Seasons said: “After careful deliberation and consulting with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, Four Seasons Health Care has informed residents of Cromore Care Home and their relatives that it plans to close the home.

“The decision has been reached reluctantly because the converted Victorian house is no longer considered a suitable premises in which to deliver the quality of care that the company expects to provide to meet the increasingly complex requirements of residents and those being referred to the home.

“The existing building is unsuited to modernisation. Four Seasons has previously explored the potential to build a new home on the site but there have been planning issues.”

Founded in the mid-18th century by John Cromie the stately house was remodelled in 1834 with the addition of two two-storey wings.

The company said that there had been “various planning issues and obstacles to a new build or refurbishment.”

Four Seasons said it would not act in the best interests of both staff and residents: “Four Seasons will endeavour to offers residents and their relatives a choice of better accommodation in its other homes nearby whilst respecting the choice of residents and relatives in the process.

“Four Seasons staff will work with the Northern Health & Social Care Trust and RQIA to ensure a smooth transition.

“The home will not close until this process is completed. The company will also attempt to offer some staff the opportunity to relocate from Cromore to other homes.”

Four Seasons currently operates care homes in Garvagh, Ballymoney, Limavady and Ballymena.