Questions remain as closure of Ripon care home looms

Questions still surround the closure of a Ripon care home more than two months after the care group which runs the home announced the decision.

Skell Lodge, which is owned by the Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG), operates from a listed Victorian building on South Crescent.

MMCG told the Stray Ferret in October that the building would “shortly no longer meet appropriate building regulations” so it would need to move residents out before the end of the year.

The Stray Ferret has asked MMCG a number of times what the problem with the building is and whether it would it possible to remedy the problem. We did not receive an answer.

A spokesperson for the care group has, however, since said:

“We can confirm that all residents have found alternative accommodation.

“We have worked hard with the team at Skell Lodge, and our partners locally to ensure residents and their families have been supported and have received the help needed during this difficult period of adjustment.

“It is expected that all residents will be settled into their new homes in time for Christmas.”

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We have spoken to two staff members and the family of a former resident. They all raised concerns about how staff and residents have been treated. They also said they were not aware of any problems with the building.

A spokesperson from the CQC said:

“We are aware that the provider Skell Lodge in Ripon has taken the decision to close the service at the end of this year.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and liaising with North Yorkshire County Council to ensure that people are moved safely to alternative services that are appropriate to their needs.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council said:

“The future of the residents and the staff is our paramount concern.

“We continue to work with the care provider and the CQC and with residents and their families to try to ensure the smoothest possible transition for people.”