Powys County Council have announced that a new company will take over the running of 13 care homes in the county.

The decision will see Welsh company Shaw Healthcare take over at 12 facilities currently run by BUPA, as well as an intermediate care home run jointly by the council and Powys Teaching Health Board, and ends speculation that the running of the council's care homes was to be taken back in house.

The Council’s portfolio holder for Adult Social Care, Councillor Stephen Hayes, said the move comes after an extensive procurement process.

“We are very pleased to be able to announce our intent to partner with Shaw healthcare, a Welsh based company which is largely staff-owned," he said.

"As a council our priority is to ensure safe, high quality care and support for the residents of these homes and we are confident that Shaw healthcare will be a positive partner for Powys County Council and the Powys Teaching Health Board.

"I would like, especially, to thank the hard working staff at the homes who have provided high quality care services for the past 20 years. Your dedication and care has been valued by all who received it and by the people of Powys."

The decision will also see the management of Glan Irfon in Builth Wells, which is run jointly by Powys County Council and Powys Teaching Health Board transfer to Shaw Healthcare.

Carol Shillabeer, the Chief Executive of Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “Ensuring that Glan Irfon is an effective reablement and rehabilitation setting for the people of Radnorshire and Powys as a whole is essential. Shaw healthcare demonstrated their eagerness to develop services, as well as utilising their experience in managing similar schemes elsewhere in order to ensure quality care.”

The council say residents should not experience any change over the coming months and that Shaw healthcare, Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys County Council would work together to ensure "seamless continuity of care and a smooth transition".

A spokesperson for Shaw Healthcare said they were "extremely proud" to be awarded the contract.

"As a company our brand values are wellness, happiness and kindness and we believe that this should be present in all we do. We believe that taking a person centred approach to care achieves the best outcomes and our goal is to deliver the type of care that we would want for our own loved ones.”

Joan Elliott, managing director of Bupa Care Services, said: “We’re pleased that Shaw Healthcare will be taking over the contract for these homes. There will be minimal changes for the residents as they’ll receive the same care from the same dedicated teams who will remain with each home.

"I’d like to thank all our colleagues for the hard work and care they deliver to residents.  We will work with Shaw Healthcare and Powys County Council to ensure a smooth transition process for everyone involved.”

Joan Elliott, Managing Director of Bupa Care Services added: “We’re pleased that Shaw Healthcare will be taking over the contract for these homes. There will be minimal changes for the residents as they’ll receive the same care from the same dedicated teams who will remain with each home. I’d like to thank all our colleagues for the hard work and care they deliver to residents.  We will work with Shaw Healthcare and Powys County Council to ensure a smooth transition process for everyone involved.”

The homes currently leased to Bupa are:

• Brynhyfryd – Builth Wells

• Cartref Dyfi – Machynlleth

• Cartref - Hay-on-wye

• Greenhill – Crickhowell

• Llwyn Teg – Llanfyllin

• Llys Hafren – Welshpool

• Maes y Wennol – Llanidloes

• Plas Cae Crwn – Newtown

• Prestmede – Presteigne

• The Grove – Ystradgynlais

• Trenewydd – Brecon

• Wylesfield – Llandrindod

Integrated intermediate care facility:

• Glan Irfon, at Builth Wells