After 158 years in the city of Leeds, The Little Sisters of the Poor charity has made the heart-breaking decision to close Mount St Joseph’s care home in Headingley.
Unfortunately, during recent repair works to the roof at the Home, the Little Sisters were alerted to the presence of Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC). Further surveys showed that 100% of the residential blocks and flat roofed areas were constructed using RAAC planks.
While all the other flat roofed areas have been safely supported with heavy-duty metal girders to allow continued use, the residential accommodation is under pitched roofs and can’t be supported.
This means we have had to evacuate and permanently close off the upper floors due to the risk of the roof collapsing, and move residents and Sisters into other care homes.
Sadly, there is no structurally acceptable solution to the RAAC, other than the removal and replacement of the roof. Unfortunately for our charity, the £3m cost to do so means this option is not economically viable.
In addition to the reluctant closure of Mount St Joseph’s Home, our charity faces yet another critical setback. The costs for emergency safety measures that were implemented to ensure the Home could remain open while we relocate residents and Sisters now total £500,000 - costs we simply could not have prepared for.
We have also lost vital income by holding empty care rooms in our other homes, in an attempt to keep the Leeds residents with us - a sacrifice we feel we owe our family of residents who wish to stay with the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Regrettably, the building will close within a few months for demolition. Before then, we are appealing for your urgent support, to help us continue to deliver care on site and cause as little distress as possible to our residents during this period.
Please donate today - your generous support at this difficult time will play a huge role in helping to keep our charity operational, ensuring we can continue to provide safe, affordable, quality care and assistance to vulnerable older people in need.
Anything you give will be gratefully received - please click here for more information about our charity and the difference your donations can help make.