Shut-down Sister Dora Care Home could get new lease of life
A landmark care home which was shut down abruptly due to inadequate care could be demolished and replaced with a new home under plans.
Elderly residents at the Sister Dora Care Home in Milford, on the edge of Cannock Chase, were moved up to 25 miles away following 'serious concerns' about the level of care provided, with CQC inspectors saying its 33 residents were ‘at risk of ill-health, malnutrition and dehydration’.
The home was closed in December and put up for sale in January, with a planning application pledging to demolish the 1920s building and replace it with a 'purpose built care home' and car park.
The plans, from MACC Care and Indigo Care, have been submitted to Stafford Borough Council, would see a 71-bed home built in place of the Sister Dora building on Brocton Road, nearly doubling the previous amount of 38.
It will also include a gym, library, hairdressing site and a cinema for residents, with developers promising it will bring 'enhance the lives' of residents who may eventually move in, as well as creating 60 jobs.
A planning statement from the applicant reads: "The design and specification of the home will be of the highest standards and provide accommodation now expected by families and residents looking for such facilities.
"The benefits that the proposed development will bring are significant, and will change and enhance the lives of those people taking advantage of such a specialist facility at what can be a very difficult time in their lives.
"The proposal will create approximately 60 full time equivalent jobs many of which will be for local people.
"Most importantly, the majority of all staff are likely to be recruited from within the local area."
Relatives were left shocked and angered by the news of the closure at the start of December, with claims that some had been informed just hours beforehand.
Staffordshire County Council stepped in following the closure to help families find alternative accommodation for the residents of the home.
Councillor Francis Finlay, who represents the Milford ward where the care home is located, said he welcomed the application.
He said: "This is good news for the area, if we are to get a purpose built care home it would be good for elderly people in our area, offering them a chance to stay within the area in a facility that offers a top quality environment.
"My only concern is that I hope it is run properly and doesn't go down the same path.
"I do welcome the plans though, I think it would be good for our area."
