Woolston's £8.2million care home facility unveiled

The multimillion-pound development has been in progress for some time, formerly being the Heathercroft complex.

Plans were approved by Warrington Borough Council last October for a £4million development - though it has now been announced as an £8.2million project.

Work has been underway at the site for months (Image: Exemplar Healthcare)

It was confirmed in early 2022 that the home on Longbarn Lane had been purchased by Exemplar Healthcare.

As per the planning documents, the new-and-improved care facility is expected to create around 150 job opportunities.

Heathercroft closed in the summer of 2021, with ‘current challenges facing the sector’ being named as the main reason.

It came after the home was placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission in September 2020 after being branded ‘inadequate’ following an inspection.

As per a press release from Exemplar Healthcare: "Woolston House will focus on supporting adults living with complex mental health needs, dementia, neuro-disabilities including Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, and physical disabilities.

"The nurse-led team will also be able to support people with a range of complex clinical care needs, including those who have tracheostomies, PEG feeding tubes, or who rely on a ventilator.

"Woolston House will help support people on their rehabilitation journey from hospital or living in a secure setting, to community-based living, whilst also providing long term support to people living with degenerative or life-limiting illnesses.

"This model of care enables residents to live in a more homely setting in their local community, closer to friends and family, all while reducing pressure on local hospital services."

The care home is now open (Image: Exemplar Healthcare)

Lindsay Abraham, commissioning manager for Exemplar Healthcare, said: “We believe Woolston House will have a profound and lasting positive impact on the lives of people in the community, enabling people to live and be cared for closer to home and their loved ones, and without needing to be in an institutional hospital setting."

Desmond Loo, home manager at Woolston House, said: “After months of extensive preparation, we’re excited to finally open the doors to the local community and to welcome our first residents.

"Our dedicated team is deeply committed to creating an environment that radiates warmth, inclusivity, and that focuses on making every day better for the people we support.

“Collaboration lies at the heart of our mission.

"By forging strong ties with local health and social care professionals, our residents and their loved ones, and the wider community, we aim to deliver exceptional care.”

The facility has opened with 26 bedrooms, with a further 14 expected to open in 2024 - Woolston House is currently recruiting staff members, with a further bout of recruitment to take place in the new year.