AFTER months of uncertainty over its future, a decision has been made to close a care home in the new year.

Slough Borough Council (SBC) Cabinet has approved the closure of Gurney House, in Upton Road, Slough, which provides general residential care for nine elderly residents.

A report presented to Cabinet before the meeting on Monday stated in Slough, there has been a decline in the number of elderly people needing general residential care, while demand for care of elderly people with mental health issues - for example Alzheimers or dementia - has increased.

The report said the council needs to ensure services are commissioned 'which meet the needs of local people and reflect the changing requirements for care and support.' Mike Bibby, assistant director of personalisation, commissioning and partnerships, said no other viable care provider had been found to take over the home.

Services at the Bupa-run home, which employs 46 staff, could be decommissioned by February next year.

Rhona McLeod, regional director for Bupa Care Homes, said: "Our concern remains the wellbeing of residents and to ensure good standards of care are maintained.

"We understand this is an unsettling time for residents, their families and our staff, and we will continue to work closely with Slough Borough Council to support them all through this process." Mr Bibby added staff, who were told of the recommendation on Friday, November 30, could be redeployed in homes nearby.

In the future the Gurney House site could be used 'to meet the needs of local people'.