care sector – projects


in br ie f


• Partnership to deliver new facilities


Washrooms get an overhaul


Eric Wright Group’s (EGW) health and care division and Glenholme Health Care Group have established a new joint venture with the aim of delivering a pipeline of 10-15 new care homes over the next five years. The move will focus their development and operating activities in Lancashire, Cumbria, Chester, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Kent Phippen, chief executive of The Glenholme Healthcare Group, said: “EWG’s development expertise in the North West, coupled with our development and operating experience, will enable the group to identify areas which lack high-quality provision or require a new pathway of care.”


www.ericwright.co.uk www.glenholme.org.uk


• Land purchase agreed


S


pecialist wetrooms and accessible toilets have been installed at Hollybank House care home in


Derbyshire as part of a modernisation programme.


The 40-bed facility caters for elderly


residents with a variety of needs and is operated by Only Care. As part of a recent upgrade, Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms was commissioned to improve the toilet and washroom facilities. The new wetrooms needed to


provide more than six showering cycles a day as well as continuous toileting. Welcoming aesthetics and efficient moving and handling were also of high importance.


Octopus Real Estate has exchanged contracts with IM Properties to purchase a 1.4-acre site in the Blythe Valley Park development. Plans for an 80-bed care home including extensive landscaping on the land have now been submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.


www.octopusproperty.com www.improperties.co.uk


During the initial site survey Gainsborough discovered significant pre-enablement works needed to be completed, including enhancing infection control through better ventilation, drainage and the elimination of exposed pipework. The design team also recommended the ceiling was lowered, the sub-floor reconstructed, and the walls repositioned. The lowered ceiling provided a cavity for an industrial-standard inline fan and ducting so moisture in the environment could be expelled more efficiently, reducing the risk of harmful microbes. Hygiene was enhanced further by high-quality anti-slip, hygienic specialist flooring with capped-edge coving, and all pipework was concealed in walls or within easy-clean cabinets. Jane Brown, care home manager, said: “Most of our residents have limited cognitive abilities and therefore


need a warm, safe and reassuring space to bathe.


“This involved the specification of


appropriate assisted sanitaryware and a shower unit which would allow focused care. “Yet the feel and decor of the room still says ‘home’, and several residents have commented on how much they like the new wetroom.” She added: “Infection control is a top priority for us and we now have modern facilities that will assist in strengthening hygiene. “Without skirting boards, the coved floor edges do not harbour bacteria and, with all pipework concealed, the risk of dirt and grime being present is eliminated.


“The fact that specialist antimicrobial


grout and silicone has been used throughout further increases our protection against superbugs.” The Hollybank wetroom incorporates a number of helpful features, including ergonomic and foldable arm rests for stability when using the toilet and designed for users with limited hand dexterity. To stabilise residents when transferring laterally onto the toilet; heavy-duty lugs have been added so the seat remains static and its fixings are not compromised.


And the TMV shower includes an extended rail and 2m hose to accommodate both standing and seated residents, while the showering area itself provides seamless wheelchair access.


www.gainsboroughbaths.com www.onlycareltd.com


healthcaredm.co.uk 27


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