Guernsey's States will take over the running of St John's Residential Home in the new year.

The home's directors say they have made the 'difficult decision' to transfer responsibility to the States of Guernsey to ensure the continuation of care to its residents.

Three States committees collaborated on this decision - Health & Social Care, Policy & Resources, and Employment & Social Security.

HSC will take over the running of the home from 1 January 2023.

A statement says residents and their families will 'see very little change'.

All staff will have the opportunity to move across to be employed by the States of Guernsey.

We're told their terms of conditions will be protected or - in many cases - improved.

St John’s Operations Manager and Clinical Lead were involved in discussions and will remain in post.

The Chairman of the St John’s Residential Home Board, Colin Pickard, says it's the right move for the home:

"This decision was very much made with a heavy heart on a personal level, but one that provides me, my wife Suzanne and fellow board member Nick McCathie with new-found hope and comfort for the future of St John’s Residential Home.

We are reassured that the change in ownership will result in very little change to the actual running of the home and most importantly to the care residents receive."

HSC President Deputy Al Brouard says the States committees were united in their belief this was the best course of action:

"‘It is rare that an issue generates widespread support from three different political committees.

It is a well-established fact that the island needs good quality care homesm and increasingly so in the years ahead.

This agreement ensures a continuation of care for residents, security for staff and maintains an important residential home for the community as a whole."