Multi-million-pound care home opens in Hamilton

Dec 15 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

A NEW multi-million-pound state-of-the-art care home run by the Church of Scotland’s social care arm has formally opened in Hamilton.

The ribbon on CrossReach’s £3.2m Wellhall care home, just off Wellhall Road, was cut during an official opening ceremony last Tuesday. Cutting the ribbon was Irene Oldfather, former convener of the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on dementia.

Wellhall opened its doors to residents earlier in the year and is already running to capacity, with a waiting list in operation.

The old Wellhall building had been in operation since 1957 as an “eventide home for older people”, with accommodation for 44 residents.

As the years wore on, the building required substantial improvements and the decision was taken to build a new unit as the existing home was not able to meet Care Inspectorate standards. In March 2011, residents and staff moved into a purpose-built home on land next to the previous building.

The new home comprises 36 en-suite bedrooms, two of which are double rooms for couples.

The home provides care for older people with dementia and mental health issues and frail older people.

Peter Bailey, CrossReach chief executive, said: “The residents have settled in and are delighted with their new accommodation and they say that everything is easily accessible for them.

“CrossReach is also delighted that the care provision at Wellhall, which has been part of the local community for over 50 years, will continue for many more years in a beautiful building.

“There is already a lengthy waiting list as the home continues to receive great reviews and this is testament to the excellent work of the care staff.”

CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland, is Scotland’s largest voluntary social care provider, with over 70 homes and projects offering care and support to thousands of people in need every day.

Meanwhile, property developers CALA Homes, generously donated a Christmas tree – decorated by TV personality and celebrity interior designer John Amabile – for the opening celebration as everyone got into the festive spirit.