Powys threatens action on care homes

Powys County Council is considering taking legal action against a private healthcare provider after discovering it is transferring the running of 12 care homes to a third party.

Bupa has had a contract to run the council-owned homes, including Llys Hafren in Welshpool for 16 years.

Council leader Rosemarie Harris said she heard the news through media reports and had not had any formal confirmation from Bupa.

Bupa said its priority was informing residents, employees and regulators.

A spokesman added: "As part of today's announcement we contacted Powys county council and will continue our discussions as we move forward with the transfer of homes."

Councillor Harris said: "[We] have not been involved in discussions. We consider that Bupa's actions are unlawful and we are considering taking legal action.

"We are seeking an urgent meeting with Bupa but we do not anticipate any change to service delivery.

"All services commissioned by the council with Bupa are under contract and we will be seeking assurances from the company about future operations."

Responding to Powys County Council’s statement Welsh Labour Group Leader Matthew Dorrance said:

“Powys County Council is right to be concerned by media reports suggesting BUPA is planning to sell off some of care homes it runs, especially because BUPA delivers care at twelve homes for the Council.

“What matters now is that the Council moves quickly to protect the interests of residents and staff in our residential homes.

“Powys County Council has for too long been obsessed with privatising services and this worrying situation shows the dangerous fragility it creates.  

“Welsh Labour’s Council Election manifesto, Together for Powys, was absolutely clear that we would advance work to bring our care homes back into the Council’s control and I urge the Cabinet to progress this before it’s too late.”

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Llys Hafren in Welshpool is a Bupa run care home