STAFF at a closed care home have spoken of their upset at leaving the now empty building. 

Edwina Mountbatten House in Palmerston Street closed its doors for the last time on July 15. 

Team leader Susan Pidgley said: “July 15 2022 is a date that I will never forget. It was the sad ending of our beautiful, happy home. 

“I walked the corridors, thinking about the lives of the residents past and present, remembering the characters, and all the love and care given.

READ MORE: Romsey care home Edwina Mountbatten House to close after it loses battle to stay open

“The now eerie silence, no call bells, laughter and seeing each happy face as you enter the room.

“None of them wanted to leave, we didn’t too but sadly we did not get the chance to fight for our home. 

“Thank you Romsey, for supporting us, and the families we met along the way. I wish the residents and staff, a happy life. 

“I was a team leader, part of my heart still remains there and always will, no matter what it becomes.” 

The care home was run by not-for-profit organisation The Countess Mountbatten of Burma Romsey Memorial Trust. It opened in 1970 and was named after Edwina Mountbatten, an English heiress, socialite, relief worker and the last vicereine of India as the wife of Rear Admiral The 1st Viscount Mountbatten of Burma.

The home had 23 beds supported by 30 full and part time staff.

However the registered charity ran into financial trouble earlier this year due to rising prices and staff pressure. 

SEE ALSO: Romsey GP surgery ranked bottom in public opinion survey says it's making changes

The board of trustees carried out a consultation and then decided to close the home. 

A spokesperson for the trustees said: “We had to make this very sad decision because the home was not financially sustainable due to its small number of beds, rising domestic costs and as a result of issues affecting the economy from around the world.

"The trustees would like to thank the local authorities and care homes in the area for their support and understanding throughout this difficult time.

“The residents particularly would like to thank the staff at Edwina Mountbatten House who looked after them with the greatest of care until the home finally closed. For that we are very grateful. 

“All the residents have now found new homes. We are very pleased to be able to report that all the staff who wanted new jobs have found new jobs. We wish them all every success.’’

A campaign launched to try and rally support for the care home did not attract enough attention to save it. It is not known what will happen to the building. 

 

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support.

Subscribing means you have unrestricted access to the latest news and reader rewards - all with an advertising-light website.

Don't take my word for it – subscribe here to see for yourself.

Looking to advertise an event? Then check out our free events guide.

Want to keep up with the latest news and join in the debate? You can find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.