Families and staff speak of 'heartbreak' at shock closure of Sheffield care home

Bosses at Hartwell Residential Home, in Ecclesfield, announced last Friday that it was closing, leaving the 26 elderly people living there looking for a new place to stay.

Families of residents past and present praised the care provided over the years as they expressed their shock at the news.

Diane Dewick wrote on The Star's Facebook page: "Thank you to the wonderful caring staff at Hartwell for caring for my mum over the last few years."

Rachel Foster, also writing on Facebook, said: "Absolutely devastated to hear this. My nan was here for 4 years until she passed away last year and can honestly say the staff there were amazing from start to finish."

And Cheryl Plant added to the glowing tributes, writing: "Such devastating news. My gran received the best care in this home and that was largely down to the amazing staff there. We'll be forever grateful for the care and support they gave her."

Nina Walker wrote: "Let's hope a private buyer with compassion for these residents and the caring staff steps in. There's not many homes who excel in the care these staff do!"

Staff at the home also spoke of their sadness at its impending closure, describing everyone there as 'one big family'.

Michelle Watson wrote: "This is so heartbreaking. I am a care worker here and its a great care home. We have lovely feed back from relatives and professional visitors. We shouldn't be getting closed down we care so much for our residents and work great as a team. We are all family."

Louise Wilson said: "We are all absolutely devastated this is not just a home we are one big family These residents are our family. Words cannot describe how we are all feeling."

Mazza Hawks wrote on Facebook: "I'm absolutely devastated to hear this sad news. Not only will I miss the care staff whom I have a built a great rapport up with, but all the patients, some of whom I've nursed for several years."

Pam Rawson said: "This is one of the best care homes in Sheffield. I should know. I work there for 34 year and it's breaking my heart."

Four Seasons Health Care, which runs the home, said it was closing as it had been operating at a 'substantial loss'.

Sheffield Council has said it will support those currently living there to find alternative accommodation.