Care provider puts an end to unfounded rumours about the Yohden Care Complex

Last week I was contacted by someone concerned about yet more rumours about the future of the Yohden Care Complex in Blackhall Colliery. This followed similar rumours circulating throughout the community last year, amid baseless claims that the facility was scheduled to close. Full background details can be found here: Care home manager clarifies rumours about Yohden Care Complex in Blackhall Colliery

Although these repeated rumours are nipped in the bud almost immediately they still crop up every few months and they are having a profoundly unsettling impact on staff and residents at the care complex and also on the rest of our community.

Rather than contact the care complex I've been in touch with the Adult & Health Services department at Durham County Council. They've contacted the care provider direct who has confirmed that parts of the complex have been closed temporarily for redecoration and planned maintenance works only. Once again they've quashed the rumours as absolutely unfounded. 

I've reproduced the full statement from the service below in the hope they bring assurance to the staff and residents:

We have again checked the concerns with the provider who own the care home (Maria Milliband Care Group). Following discussions with MMCG’s Regional Director, it has been confirmed that the provider has temporarily closed “The Court” area of the home to allow for planned maintenance and redecoration works to be completed. As there were already a number of vacant rooms within this part of the home, remaining residents were relocated to a more central area whilst the improvement works are undertaken. Staff have been informed of the changes according to the regional director.

We were told that the works are intended to enhance the overall environment and appearance of the home. MMCG has confirmed that there remain no plans to close the home, and that the temporary closure of The Court is solely to facilitate refurbishment and maintenance activities.