THE Government has stepped in over the Southern Cross Healthcare crisis after the company’s dire financial situation placed care homes Wordsley, Wall Heath and Kingswinford in jeopardy.

Southern Cross, which runs Holbeche House and Wyncroft House in Kingswinford, Riverside, Wall Heath and Redbrick Court, Wordsley, has admitted it can not afford the rent on hundreds of its care homes.

The issue has been raised in the Houses of Parliament and the Government are now looking at the problem.

Paul Burstow MP, Minister of State for Care Services at the Department of Health, said: “Southern Cross is taking steps to restructure their finances. My officials and those at the Department for Business, Innovation and skills are talking to Southern Cross and KPMG, who are advising Southern Cross on delivering its restructuring plan.

“Officials are keeping a very close eye on the company and the steps it is taking. I will receive regular updates on progress.”

He added: ““It is Southern Cross’s responsibility to deliver on the plan they have for turning round their financial difficulties. We are being very clear with them that we look to them to maintain service continuity and quality of care while they do this.

“My principal concern is for the safety and well being of the residents of the care homes that might be affected.”

And the Minister explained that his office would be working with Dudley Council and other local authorities concerning the crisis.

He said: “We are in communication with Association of Directors of Adult Social Services regarding their responsibilities and their contingency plans should the situation develop.

“The regulator will have a role in ensuring that care is meeting the necessary standards and that quality is maintained.”

He added: “It will pay particular attention to care homes where there is a concern that quality may be inadequate”.

For more information about Southern Cross Healthcare visit www.schealthcare.co.uk.