Sirona Care & Health, which runs eight residential facilities on behalf of B&NES Council, has given notice to terminate its contract, and has now informed staff, residents and families. This includes Midsomer Norton’s Community Resource Centre at Combe Lea, which featured in last week’s Journal.

This will not affect the level of care being provided to residents or affect jobs for Sirona Care & Health staff. No centres are being closed.

In a joint statement, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Sirona Care & Health said: “The Community Resource Centres and Extra Care facilities are people’s homes, and together, our first priority is to ensure high quality care and support is maintained for residents and tenants.

“Sirona has given twelve months’ notice to terminate the contract to provide residential and Extra Care services in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.

“Sirona and the Council are saddened this step has been taken. These services have been a core part of Sirona since it was founded.

“The decision was taken because the on-going provision is financially unsustainable for Sirona as a not-for-profit social enterprise.

“The notice will not have a direct impact on residents or tenants who receive support through these services. We will work together during the notice period to ensure there is continuity of care and a smooth transition to new management.

“Sirona is keeping residents and families up-to-date. The Council will, of course, also be considering various options on who will manage these services in the longer-term, with the focus on meeting the needs of residents, tenants and staff.”

Virgin Care acts for B&NES Council as contract managers for the service, which Sirona provides on behalf of the local authority.

Sirona Care & Health employs 280 staff and provides 105 residential care home beds at Combe Lea, in Midsomer Norton, Cleeve Court, in Bath, and Charlton House, in Keynsham, within three Community Resource Centres, which are owned by the Council and leased to Sirona.

There are three Extra Care Housing sites in Bath, one in Midsomer Norton and one in Keynsham, together providing support care to 140 tenants. Relatives who have a query can contact Sirona by emailing: [email protected]