Although it has been identified in the Position Statement “Closure of a care home under any circumstances is an involved process to manage”, there is a need to remember that there are individuals involved, with their feelings, concerns and anxieties.
 
These include:
 

• the residents and their loved ones who perhaps thought the Harpenden Bethesda Home would be their final resting place yet in the Lord’s purposes this was not to be the case.
• the management and staff teams at both the Harpenden and Brighton Homes. This has been a particular trying time for the General Manager and the management and staff team at the Harpenden Home both personally as not only may it affect their livelihood yet more importantly, having one day to cease providing care to those residents for whom they have deep love and respect.

 
The Position Statement makes particular reference to the pathway that the management team is walking through, in their burden for the residents and staff and regrettably, this is not being helped by unfounded comments and misinterpretations of events made within and outside of the Harpenden Bethesda Home. Sadly, these have also proved very hurtful to the General Manager and the management team.
 
No doubt there are many sweet memories of Harpenden for the residents, their loved ones and staff  and we ask all to please understand that these are trying and emotional times for those who have loved and cared for past and present residents: let us each be careful not to mar the good that has been done or the fond memories that are still held dear.
 
The Trustees
Gospel Standard Bethesda Fund