Mothballed care home back in business

OFFICALLY open . . . from left, Oldham MPs Michael Meacher, David Heyes and Debbie Abrahams join Andy Burnham MP, Oldham Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon and Councillor Phil Harrison

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

LIMECROFT Care Home has officially reopened to offer short-stay dementia care to people from across the borough.

The Whitebank Road facility was mothballed in March due to council cuts, and dementia care provision moved to Medlock Court and High Barn.

But in June, Oldham Council agreed to restore the 20-bed residential care to full use. Plans are being drawn up for a £2 million scheme to create en-suite facilities and extend it to 40 beds.

In the meantime, refurbishment work costing £624,000 including new carpets and furnishings.

The council has now selected Meridian Healthcare Limited, an independent provider of care services that employs more than 1,200 people across 28 sites nationally, to provide dementia respite services at the facility.

Meridian has recruited staff, including local residents, to provide professional care for service users.

Councillor Phil Harrison, cabinet member for adult social services and Health, said: “When the new administration took control in May we pledged to residents that we would reopen Limecroft and we have made good on that promise.”