Ipswich home

“So in a strange sort of way, where we differ as a commercial entity is not necessarily by the upper line profi t. In my mind there is a great deal of kudos if we are able to bring reduced costs to the council whilst also providing better quality services.”

If other councils want to follow the Optalis path – and many have inquired about how to do it - he anticipates it would take two years to set up a similar organisation. Much easier to bring in an organisation with experience. And Andrew hopes that will encourage them to appoint Optalis.

ANDREW PICKUP – factfi le..... Age:

39 Position: Typical Week: Managing Director, Optalis

Monday is spent with the senior management team looking at existing and new business. Friday he tries to get out with the services, such as job shadowing. Other days involve meetings to progress matters and communications with commissioners and stakeholders.

Family: Interests:

Married to Karen, with three children Jackson, Lauren and Lexi

Distance running, skiing, tennis and fi ve-a-side football

Favourite Film: Rudy, a story about college American football Favourite Book: Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know – Sir Ranulph Fiennes Favourite Car: BMW M Coupe (aspires to own one) Favourite Food: Indian Food – Lamb Madras

New Ipswich home and wellbeing centre given green light

state-of-the-art care home for older people and a wellbeing centre which will offer day care clubs and activities for older people living independently have been granted planning approval by Ipswich Borough Council. It marks the fi rst successful application in a £60 million investment programme by Care UK in ten new care homes and ten wellbeing centres in Suffolk between now and 2016. In December last year Care UK took over responsibility for Suffolk County Council’s existing sixteen residential care homes and eight wellbeing centres. More than 900 former Suffolk County Council employees transferred to the company on their existing terms.

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The new home and adjacent wellbeing centre will be built on the site of a former Ipswich infants school which was demolished when the school moved to the adjacent primary school site. The care home will accommodate 80 residents and will provide nursing as well as residential care.

The design of the new care home, which will provide nursing care and specialist dementia care services, is spacious, light and airy, with many communal areas for residents to meet with family, friends and fellow residents. The generously sized bedrooms are all ensuite with shower facilities and groups of residents will share their own dining room and lounge.

The new home also has a garden and sitting out area and attractive facilities including a café and hairdressers on the ground floor and small cinema on the upper floor.

The wellbeing centre will provide day care activities and clubs which will help older people to maintain their independence for longer in their own homes and give valuable respite services for family carers. Residents of the nearby Hawthorn Drive home will have the option of moving into the new home, which is scheduled to open in June 2014. Hawthorn Drive will eventually close.

March/April 2013 | Care Home Management 21