A GROUP of care homes earmarked for possible closure by stricken Southern Cross Healthcare have been saved after the landlord said it would take them over and keep them open.

Cash-strapped Southern Cross is locked in negotiations with landlords of all of its 752 care homes over a restructuring of its properties that could see many revert back to their original owners or close.

Landlord and care home provider Four Seasons said it had visited all 45 of its leased homes and does not intend to close any of them after taking them on, even though Southern Cross had labelled a significant number as commercially unviable.

The 45 care homes contain a total of 1,921 beds, with average occupancy of around 80 per cent to 81 per cent.

The staff and managers would transfer over with the homes, Four Seasons said, adding that it would work with Southern Cross to ensure a smooth transition with no disruption to residents.