CONSTRUCTION work to develop a new care home in Bracknell is now underway after being formally marked with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday (September 8).

The redevelopment of the Heathlands site, being undertaken by Stepnell Ltd, will see the construction of a 66-bed specialist care facility, specifically designed around the core needs of its patients.

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It will offer a safe and secure environment for patients suffering with dementia or transitioning from hospital to their home.

Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: "The groundbreaking ceremony marked a pivotal step in the redevelopment of this site.

"Once complete, the Heathlands Integrated Health and Care home will provide important specialist care to patients at a time in their life when they perhaps are feeling most vulnerable.

"Skilled medical staff will provide tailored support to help patients transition from hospital back to their home and will provide dementia patients with a modern, secure and safe space, so they can feel confident, cared for and reassured in their new environment.

"Heathlands will make a difference to the lives of so many and I'm excited to see this new building come to life. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and determination so far, to make this project a reality."

Fiona Slevin-Brown, East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) Executive Managing Director for Bracknell Forest, continued: “The re-development of the Heathlands Residential Care Home, through the partnership with Bracknell Forest Council and the CCG, provides an exciting opportunity for health and care colleagues to work together to enable more of our residents to use the nursing home and to access intermediate care within the borough."

Rob Speirs, Regional Director at Stepnell Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be starting on site at this high-standard specialist care facility, which has been designed with key features and amenities that prioritise the needs of the residents.

"This project will not only provide a much-needed care facility to support the needs of older people within the area, but will proactively create a sense of community.”

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The ceremony was attended by The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Ms. Ash Merry, Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, and representatives from the council, the East Berkshire CGG and Stepnell Ltd.

The re-development work is due to be completed in November 2021, with the facility expected to open in December 2021.