Lakes Care Centre Returns to Original Ownership
27th September 2023 | Posted in Management
After a difficult period during which it was almost forced to close, the Lakes Care Centre has been bought back by its original owner, who has vowed to return it to its former high standard.
The care home was founded by Jack Meredith, who was its owner and managing director between 1983 and 2020. Previously, the premises had been owned by his mother. Under his 37 years of management, the establishment expanded, going from one building with 22 beds to a total of three buildings with capacity for 84 residents. Prior to the sale of the business in 2020, it had routinely achieved a rating of ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Jack sold the centre in 2020 but thereafter, under a new owner and management team, it struggled to maintain those standards. Its rating dropped to the extent that, in October 2022, it was placed into administration and was facing a closure notice. On 19 July 2023, after months of negotiations, Jack Meredith took back control of the centre under licence from the administrators. At the time, it was just four days from closing.
Describing his motivations for the decision, Jack said: “I took on this challenging project to ensure the continued wellbeing of the 45 existing residents, the employment security of some 60 staff, and because of the affinity I have with the home. I know that with the required investment, its viability can be restored.”
The company now responsible for the operation is The Lakes Care Centre Limited, which is led by Jack and three other directors. Since the reacquisition, it has already committed around £1 million to the centre. It has invested more than £100,000 in building refurbishments, new electronic systems and other improvements, and plans to spend a further £300,000 in the coming months. In all, the company plans to invest £1.5 million to bring it back to its former standing.
Jack explains: “I consider that it will be a two-year project to get the home to the level I feel is appropriate. Whilst our aim will be to make the home ‘Outstanding’ during this time, a rating of ‘Good’ is the least we must achieve.”
Works are currently ongoing, with the site witnessing intense activity. Current improvements include new carpets, furniture and decorative works, window replacements and the renovation of the grounds. The centre’s broadband capacity has also been doubled to enable staff to use mobile devices and specialist apps to keep accurate records of the support and medications that they provide to residents.
The refurbishment will take time to complete but the improvements are already being noticed and welcomed by the centre’s residents. Enhancements to bedrooms and communal areas have attracted significant praise, as has the restoration of the centre’s wooded gardens.
“We still have a way to go,” notes Jack, “but we are making good progress and we’ll continue to do so. In the meantime, I want to acknowledge and commend the commitment shown by the administrators (FRP), the lender (Thincats) and Tameside M.B.C. They all made significant efforts to keep the home open during the nine months after the home was placed into administration. Each of them went above and beyond to ensure the continued care and safety of the 45 residents; people who would otherwise have been forced to find new homes. The same action also saved dozens of jobs.”
With the centre now facing a new chapter in its development, Jack estimates that the business will create a further 30 jobs over the coming months and, as the refurbishment works progress, it will open up its doors to new residents.
Update:
On 13th October, in recognition of the many improvements taking place, The Lakes Care Centre was named the winner of the Transformational Teams category in the 2023 CRISTAL Care Awards. The event was jointly organised by Tameside Council and Greater Manchester Integrated Care, and took place at Dukinfield Town Hall.
Notes:
- Jack Meredith, a former police officer, took control of the centre under licence in July but completed the purchase itself on 26 September 2023.
- He was formerly chair of the Greater Manchester Care Home Association, and chair of the Tameside Care Home Association. He also sat on the Dignity in Care Committee.
- Originally, the centre featured just one property, Kendal House. It is currently being renovated and benefiting from new glazing and fire safety improvements.
- The Derwent Suite opened in 1989, with space for 37 residents.
- The Coniston Suite opened in 1995, with space for a further 25.
- The Lakes Care Centre Limited was newly registered by the CQC on 27 September 2023.
< Back
