A final decision on the future of SSAFA St Vincent’s in Binstead won’t be made until the 16th July as a result of an offer to buy the care home.
As previously reported by Island Echo last month, the veterans charity Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) launched a consultation about the future of the service they provide at St Vincent’s stating that it may no longer be viable to run the care home – the only one in the country.
News on whether or not the home would close was expected earlier this week, however, it has now been revealed that an offer has been made to purchase the home, keeping it available for veterans.
For now the 24 residents at St Vincent’s are safe whilst the proposed takeover is explored in greater detail. A decision is now expected on 18th July.
The charity has delayed making any decision until Monday 16 July, to allow for the offer to be fully explored.
A spokesperson for the SSAFA has said:
“A month ago, SSAFA announced that St Vincents on the Isle of Wight was undergoing a period of consultation to determine the best possible future for the care home.
“This time over the last four weeks has led to 27 responses from residents, families, employees and other stakeholders, all of which were carefully considered, and provided important insights that we have endeavoured to take on board.
Article continues below this advertisement “Following a new and credible offer received on Friday, May 18, the latest update is that SSAFA is delaying making any decision until Monday, July 16, to allow for the offer to be fully explored and due diligence to be undertaken.
“The offer comes from a provider who wishes to take on St Vincents ‘as a home available for ex-service people and to continue to offer accommodation to that market’.
“While we remain in this consultation period, St Vincents will operate with the same usual standards of excellent care.”
