Caithness.org News Index

Front Page Archives

Highland Councillors have approved a major programme of refurbishment for their care establishments for older people. This investment, which will be in excess of �6 million over the next three years, will ensure that care homes will meet emerging national standards set by the Care Commission and reflected in the Disability Discrimination Act. The Highland Council provides more than 300 places across the Highlands. Many of the units are domestic in scale and thus provide a homely atmosphere for residents.

Pulteney House, Wick

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of the Council�s Housing and Social Work Committee said the investment demonstrated the Council�s continuing commitment to be a provider of care and to strengthen existing provision. She said: �We are proud of our track record in providing high quality care. We have an ageing population and therefore a substantial programme of capital investment will be required in the future. We have identified the funding and key staff to help us realise our vision of modernised care homes delivering services well into the 21st century.�

Members of the Housing and Social Work Committee have approved an initial programme of 15 establishments to enable refurbishment to be carefully planned and implemented in ways which will minimise disruption for residents and their relatives. A second phase will follow after a range of options are fully examined, including full or partial refurbishment of establishments, new build where this is appropriate, developing day care and sheltered housing provision or exploring partnerships with the independent sector; all of which will compliment and enhance existing services.

Harriet Dempster, Director of Social Work Services, said: �This investment will secure much needed improvements in our network of care establishments. This ambitious programme should provide a clear message for the public who depend on our services and our dedicated staff who provide high quality care that we are investing in their future.�

Care homes recommended for the initial phase of the capital programme are: -
Ach-an-Eas, Inverness; An Acarsaid, Broadford; Bayview House, Thurso; Caladh Sona, Melness; Dail Mhor House, Strontian; Grant House, Grantown; Invernevis House, Fort William; Lochbroom House, Ullapool; The MacKintosh Centre, Mallaig;Melvich Community Care Unit; Pulteney House, Wick, Seaforth House, Golspie; Strathburn House, Gairloch; Telford Centre, Fort Augustus; Wade Centre, Kingussie.