North Somerset MP Unveils Newly Refurbished Nailsea Care Home

Staff and residents at a Nailsea care home have marked a recent £350,000 refurbishment with a party and visit from the MP for North Somerset, Sir Liam Fox.

Mr Fox joined residents, family and staff to unveil the new-look atrium area at Sycamore Lodge, which focuses on modernisation and increasing natural light and space.

Other guests included local councillors, Nigel Ashton, Terry Porter and Luke Smith, the architect of the refurbishment, Katherine Hegarty, as well as CEO for Shaw healthcare, Russell Brown. Barry O’Driscoll, service manager at the Shaw healthcare-operated home, commented: “We wanted to create a real community feel and through maximising natural light, we have created a real focal point for the home. We will be looking to schedule live music events and regular exercise classes for our residents as well as opening the space to community and support groups.

“We will be looking to hold support sessions in the café area and welcoming people from the local area providing a valuable insight into what people can expect when caring for a loved one with dementia as well as reflecting on personal experiences.”

The refurbishment also boasts extensive works on the units and additional visiting space that has been designed with input from residents in the theme of a garden and bus stops as well as commissioned paintings from local artists. The celebrations also included some special mentions to senior support worker, Sarah Knight and domestic assistant, Patrice Welch, who are both retiring as well as some long serving employees who were presented with gifts and certificates.