A much-needed care home for dementia sufferers in Portsmouth is one step closer.
Portsmouth City Council has signed a deal for Care UK to run a new 92-bed home from February 2011.The state-of-the-art home – which will include an internet cafe – will be on the site of the former council care home Harry Sotnick House, in Cranleigh Avenue, Buckland, and will keep the same name.
Council leaders say they are 'delighted' Care UK has been chosen to take it on.
The former Harry Sotnick House closed its doors in October 2006.
It had fallen into disrepair and it would have cost £1m to replace a damaged sewer system.
The closure sparked outrage at the time as elderly residents were forced to move to other care homes.
But councillors pledged a new home would be built in its place.
Councillor Leo Madden, the Lib Dem in charge of health and social care, said: 'This is very good news.
'I am delighted that the contract has been signed with Care UK.
'We will be working with a respected, well-known provider of health and social care and I am confident older people in the city will benefit from this partnership.'
Planning permission for the £7m nursing home, which will specialise in dementia care, was granted in March this year.
As well as an internet cafe, residents will be able to enjoy landscaped gardens, a hairdressing salon and a physiotherapy room.
Care UK said its aim was to provide activities so residents can lead fulfilling lives.
Managing director Tony Hosking said: 'We focus on what people can do rather than what they can't.'
The council, which is funding the project, will be able to use 62 of the 92 beds.
source: www.portsmouth.co.uk
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