BIDDERS wanting to take over a popular care home are being told they must carry out improvements and become fully registered to provide EMI nursing care within 18 months.

Ceredigion council and Hywel Dda Health Board have now reached an agreement over how dementia nursing care will be provided and funded at Bodlondeb in Penparcau.

The health board agreed to fund two EMI nursing beds and both authorities paid towards a further eight EMI nursing beds.

The council admitted there is a “risk” in the council having to find the funding for the eight beds if they are not occupied.

But senior managers have played down the possibility, saying that predicted demand for the beds makes it unlikely they will not be needed.

A report that went before the Cabinet yesterday (Tuesday), said the deal over the funding of the EMI beds had been agreed and that a tender process could now begin.

Sue Darnbrook, strategic director for care, protection and lifestyles, said: “The new contract will in due course enable the council to place people with higher needs in Bodlondeb, subject to the completion of an agreed programme of improvements and the new provider achieving a change to the property’s registration status to include dementia nursing care within 18 months.

“The contract is for 10 places over a three-year term with an option to renew in the council’s favour for a further two years. Spot purchasing will be demand led to meet requirements at any given time."

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