Our Southern Cross care homes story gets national audience
Avid viewers of Inside Out though, will know that we've been covering the troubled organisation since 2010.
The determined investigation by our team will now be recognised nationally as our efforts are being highlighted in a report for The One Show tonight. (Tuesday 21 June at 7pm BST on 91Èȱ¬ One)
Letters, emails and calls flooded in. We'd never experienced a reaction like it. Many others told of similar concerns about the standard of care, and some of the information came from the staff themselves. It led to a second film on Southern Cross last February in which we also examined the financial difficulties which had arisen.
The company apologised about the failings we highlighted, but did not accept that its money problems were affecting the quality of care.
The financial crisis at Southern Cross has since become national news. With 31,000 elderly residents it is the country's largest private provider of care homes for the elderly.
The Business Secretary, .
Last week it was announced that to cut its huge rent bill, for the time being at least.
It has until October to restructure and get its finances back in order.
It's an unsettling time for residents and relatives.
What started off as a regional investigation has spread into a national story.
Hi, I'm Chris Jackson - presenter of the North East & Cumbria's very own current affairs programme, Inside Out. Welcome to my blog where I'll reveal some behind-the-scenes goings-on and share my thoughts on the stories we cover.
Comment number 1.
At 22nd Jun 2011, cermenate wrote:The article on the One Show this week was unfortunately too one sided. This tone of discussion can easily frighten potential staff ( already a problem given the financial difficulties ) but more importantly upset residents and their families.
The team should visit Revelstoke Lodge in Plymouth. This is a home which could well close, does not get enough funding, and probably has the barest minimum of staff.
These staff are incredibly badly paid, highly qualified and wonderful carers ( obviously not in the job for the money )
Go to this home, interview families and residents and see if it is the type of place you would want to spend your twilight years and please, please try to avoid giving such a bad impression.
Put these staff in front of the camera so the public can see the passion with which they care for their people.
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