Transfer of Woodlands Respite Care Centre complete

We're pleased to announce the successful transfer of Woodlands Respite Care Centre in York to a new company affiliated to Christchurch Court, a leading provider of rehabilitation services.

The centre has been acquired by the new owners as a 'going concern', securing its future as a service for people with MS and maintaining the current staff.

Existing users of Woodlands can continue to be supported by the new owners of the centre for respite care and bookings are now being taken on 01904 430600 - with existing pricing agreements being maintained until the end of March.

The new service, in association with York NHS Foundation Trust, will provide assessment, rehabilitation and treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions, including MS.

Established care provider

Stuart Nixon, Vice Chair of the MS Society, said: "We are delighted we have been able to transfer Woodlands into the ownership of such a well established care provider and that the centre will continue to provide services for people with MS."

"It's been a long process to get to this stage, but we're pleased that we've achieved what we set out to do. We'd like to thank our staff for continuing to provide excellent care and support for guests during this time."

Sheena Kidd, Director of Christchurch Court, said: "We are really excited about the future development of Woodlands. We aim to expand existing services, developing new areas of support for the existing MS client base and introduce new rehabilitation services for a range of neurological conditions."

Remaining respite centres

Earlier this year the MS Society transferred Leuchie House, our respite care service in Scotland, into new ownership and in November we signed an initial agreement to transfer Brambles and Helen Ley Respite Care Centres to new providers who would continue respite services for people with MS.

With the exchange contracts expected soon, we hope to complete the transfer of Helen Ley and Brambles by the end of January. For the time being Brambles remains temporarily closed while transfer work progresses.