Leonard Cheshire has proposed the closure of a Bedfordshire care home following recruitment and retention problems.

The announcement came despite the care home’s improved CQC rating of Requires Improvement in December after it had been placed in Special Measures.

Leonard Cheshire previously announced the closure of The Risings in Exeter in August 2022 citing a drop in demand and high agency costs.

A spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire said: “We’ve taken every possible step to address the failings that the regulator identified at their recent inspection of Agate House. This has included additional senior management oversight and targeted training, with huge commitment shown by staff. Sadly, despite improvements over the past six months we do not believe we can sustain these long term. 

“Difficulties recruiting and retaining suitably experienced staff have become increasingly severe, despite concerted efforts to address this. With great regret we have therefore propose to close Agate House.

“We have met residents and their families individually and will also be working closely with commissioners. We’d like to thank all the staff at Agate House for their dedication and we will support them fully in the months ahead.”