USE: IMMEDIATE                                              ISSUE DATE:  WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH 2005   

Melvich Community Care Unit in North Sutherland is in line for a £170,000 refurbishment.  It is one of five care homes owned by The Highland Council, which will benefit from a facelift to meet Care Commission standards.

Work is due to start within the next few months on the six-bed residential home, which is also a base for day care and lunch club services. The project will see the upgrading of the residential accommodation. This will require residents to be moved to alternative accommodation for the duration of the contract, which is programmed to last for 16 weeks.

Accommodation is available for the residents at other care homes in the locality. Facilities for day centre attenders will also be upgraded and so alternative accommodation will be required for day care services. Residents and their families, together with staff, were advised and consulted about the arrangements at meetings at the home on Monday 7 March.  

Councillor Rita Finlayson, portfolio holder for social work in Sutherland who attended the meeting on Monday, said: "I know it will be a worrying time for residents and their families, but we will make every effort to make the move as smooth as possible and get the unit back to normal at the earliest opportunity. Residents will be able to view their temporary homes in advance and we will provide transport for families to visit if it’s needed. Plans of the refurbished unit are available and we will put out a newsletter."

The improvements at Melvich are part of £1.9 million investment the Council is making in the new financial year at five of its care homes.

Other homes being upgraded are Dail Mhor House, Strontian, Bayview House, Thurso, Seaforth House, Golspie and Invernevis House, Fort William.  The Council will embark on a similar consultation process with residents and their families, users and staff before work is planned on the other homes.

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Date Last updated : 09/03/05