Leadon Bank Nursing Home

Herefordshire Council’s negotiations with not-for-profit organisation SHAW healthcare to take over the running and development of services at Ledbury’s Leadon Bank care home in April 2004 is on track.

The planned developments include the construction of new buildings but these works will not start before Autumn 2004.

The Council started detailed negotiations with SHAW in 2002 after a thorough selection process to identify a partner with a shared vision for the future of services for older people and the experience and ability to deliver them.

SHAW has significantly more experience than the Council in delivering a full range of services to older people and particular expertise in managing service changes involving the design and provision of new accommodation.

The number one priority for both SHAW and the Council throughout the process is the care and safety of residents of Leadon Bank and the new facilities will greatly improve not just the infrastructure but also the services and care available.

Stephanie Canham, Herefordshire Council’s Head of Social Care (Adults), said: “ This is great news for existing service users and the local community.

“It will mean better services and better facilities able to respond both to current and future needs providing users with more control over the way their needs are met.”

SHAW is to build a new facility on the Leadon Bank site but this will be done in a way that allows services to continue in the existing home during the development without causing unnecessary disruption to service users.

Stephanie added: “The transition to a new facility will be a gradual process and residents, relatives and staff are being kept informed every step of the way.

“At all times, residents and other key stakeholders have been, and will continue to be fully consulted on changes.

“The care and safety of residents is our number one priority and we’re doing everything possible to keep disruption to existing users to a minimum.

“The new accommodation will be an improvement on existing buildings and should greatly improve the quality of lives of users.”

The new facility will consist of a series of Extra Care Units, or flats, purpose built to promote people’s independence while also providing the necessary levels of care and support.

New facilities will also include a day service providing a range of opportunities and activities alongside the care and support that people need to maintain their independence.

This service will be available to both Leadon Bank service users and residents living elsewhere in the community.

It is also hoped that, allied to the involvement of the existing voluntary Ledbury day service management committee, community links will be both maintained and enhanced.

A further part of the new facility is planned to provide specialist residential re-ablement services. This unit will be for individuals, who following some form of significant change in their personal circumstances, need intensive short term care, support and therapies to help them regain or maximise their independent living skills in order to return home.

It is expected that all of the new services should be available by April 2006.