RESIDENTS OF SOUTHERN CROSS CARE HOMES

That this House deeply regrets the anxiety caused to residents of Southern Cross Homes and their families by the serious financial problems facing the company; acknowledgeswidespread public disquiet about the business practices which contributed to the company's difficulties and failed to put the interests of elderly people first; urges the Government to look at whether the regulation of this sector should be extended to cover the financial stability of organisations which provide these vital services for thousands of elderly people; regrets the decision to make 3,000 Southern Cross staff redundant; is deeply concerned that the Care Quality Commission has served nearly 30 per cent. of Southern Cross homes with improvement orders; and calls on the Government to guarantee the safety and quality of care for all Southern Cross residents.