Building works have begun on a new multimillion pound new specialist care facility in Bracknell.
A ceremony on Tuesday, September 8, unveiled the start of construction works for the £9.2 million pound Heathlands Dementia Care Home.
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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.
It will offer a safe and secure environment for patients suffering with dementia or transitioning from hospital to their home.
Councillor 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.
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“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.”
The construction partner employed a variety of health and safety measures during the lockdown period to ensure that sites could continue to operate safely without disruption.
Here's what the new care home is planned to look like.
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.”
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.
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