A RESPITE care base for multiple sclerosis sufferers in York has been saved from closure after its owners revealed they have switched its services to a new operator.

Residents at Woodlands Respite Care Centre have been anxiously waiting to discover what will happen to the care they receive after the MS Society announced its plans for the Hull Road facility.

But the organisation today has announced it is transferring the services provided at Woodlands to Christchurch Court, a company which specialises in residential and supported living for people with neurological conditions.

The MS Society said discussions with Christchurch Court about the transfer will include the 100-plus staff at the York centre being taken on by the company.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the MS Society, said: “On April 12, the MS Society announced that an initial agreement had been signed with a prospective new provider for Woodlands Respite Care Centre in York. “We are now pleased to be able to confirm that this provider is Christchurch Court.

“Further work needs to be undertaken before contracts are signed to confirm the transfer of the centre to Christchurch Court, but we are pleased to report that the process is progressing smoothly and we hope to reach exchange in the coming weeks.

“We are also pleased to confirm that, should the transfer be completed successfully, Christchurch Court is committed to continuing to provide a service for people with MS at Woodlands.”

Woodlands was one of four specialist respite centres across the UK earmarked for closure following an announcement made by the MS Society last year, with Leuchie House in East Lothian first in line, followed by Woodlands, Brambles in Surrey and Helen Ley in Warwickshire.