A South Lakeland nursing home wants to offer affordable staff living accommodation to help it battle the recruitment crisis.
Boarbank Hall, near Allithwaite, has applied to South Lakeland District Council to build two lodges in its grounds.
Elizabeth McConnell, director of operations, said coronavirus had a massive impact on the site, particularly the guest house side of the business.
Her business statement added: “Whilst the nursing home has remained full and its services in demand for patients from all backgrounds and differing financial situations, the pandemic, combined with Brexit, has also made, and continues to make, it difficult to recruit suitable staff and pay them a fair wage.
“We recognise that helping staff to have somewhere affordable to live increases our possibility of recruiting staff.”
A planning statement submitted in support of the application from Sister Eileen Pollard said the NHS trust and hospices have asked the sisters to take more patients.
“Recruitment is being arranged but is very difficult, especially if no living accommodation can be offered and care staff cannot afford to buy locally,” says the statement.
