A LANCASTER home for the elderly is offering 30 new rooms - but may have to ask some residents to find new providers of nursing care.

The Sisters of Nazareth, who run the Nazareth House home, say they regret the fact that the home will offer 'residential only' services because of upgrades required under the 2007 Higher Accommodation Standards legislation.

Talks are being held with social services and the health authority to minimise the number of people who will be affected.

Nazareth House has undergone a £ 1.7 million redevelopment to bring it up to the new standards, and a waiting list has now been opened for the new beds, the first of which is expected to become available this summer.

Admission is available to all who meet medical and funding criteria, regardless of religion, and applicants should apply in writing as soon as possible.

Applications from new staff are also being sought.

Sister Rose Ita, Superior at Nazareth House, said: " This is good news, not only for the elderly we care for in Lancaster, but also for our staff.

"We continue to welcome job applications from those of a caring nature, who may be facing the loss of jobs in their present place of employment."

She added: "Owing to the likely heavy demand for rooms, and the fact that we're in a three-month time of transition I'd ask people to be patient with us - it may take us a while to sift through the requests.

"But we shall certainly be replying to all enquiries.

"In the longer term, there is also the possibility of assisted living units being provided, an area where society is seeking to increase the care available within a community setting."