The Jeanne Jugan Residence in Preston Pic: Tony Worrall
A Preston care home has announced it is to close.
The Little Sisters of the Poor in Garstang Road, Fulwood are to leave the city.
Situated in the Jeanne Jugan Residence they have been a part of the community since 1881.
Mother Provincial Caroline Emmanuel said: “It is with great sadness and regret that the Little Sisters of the Poor have decided that they will be leaving Preston”. This has been a very difficult decision for the Sisters, but due to the Community getting older and that there are much fewer Sisters, they now feel that they are unable to continue their mission in Preston.
“The Little Sisters have been in Preston since 1881 (one of nine new foundations in Great Britain, Ireland and the Channel Islands established in the 1880s) when they began their work for the sick and the dying in Preston in a small house in Deepdale Road, before moving to larger premises on Garstang Road, known then as Springfield House, now the Jeanne Jugan Residence.
“The Little Sisters are immensely grateful for the support they have been given, over the years, by the Catholic community of Preston, the current Bishop of Lancaster Michael Campbell, previous Bishops of the Diocese as well as by local priests and religious and by so many people in Preston who have been so supportive. They are especially thankful to God for all that they received from their benefactors, associates and friends in Preston. It is understood the Sisters are already working hard to ensure a continuity of care at the Jeanne Jugan Residence if at all possible. ”
It is not known what future awaits for the building in Garstang Road, and no timescale has been given for when the sisters are to leave.
Bishop of Lancaster Michael Campbell said: “Firstly; I want to celebrate all the wonderful care and work for the sick and the elderly carried out by the Little Sisters in Preston – long before the State came to be involved in such work.
“They have made an immeasurable contribution to the life of the City of Preston and our Local Church over the past 135 years. The Little Sisters will be sadly missed and will always be held in the greatest affection and respect by the Catholic community in Preston and in the wider Diocese of Lancaster for all their selfless ministry in the service of the elderly and those near the end of life.”
The care home can hold around 40 residents. The care home was last inspected by the Care Quality Commission in February 2015 and received a good rating.
What do you think about the sisters leaving Fulwood? Do you have any memories of the home? Let us know in the comments below