The Priory Group officially opens its first care home in Leeds

5/5/10

The Priory Group, the UK's leading independent provider of mental healthcare, has opened the doors to its first care home for older people in Leeds.

Atkinson Court in Leeds was officially opened by Sharon Butler, managing director, Priory Care Homes alongside former Leeds United and Scotland star Peter Lorimer.

Residents, staff and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the event at a special luncheon held at the home on Ings Road.

The opening of the purpose built Atkinson Court, which has beds for 75 residents needing nursing or dementia nursing care, has created many jobs for the local area and is part of the first phase of the company's plans for rapid expansion within the older people care sector.

The home provides nursing and dementia services in single, en-suite accommodation finished to the highest standard. There is also a choice of lounges and dining areas and an enclosed landscaped garden.

The home's dementia floor utilises the very latest research in dementia care focussing on a person's abilities. Dementia-signposting assists with orientation and a reminiscence room will be available.

All residents have access to carefully planned activities and a wide range of professionals including a hairdresser, chiropodist, optician and GP.

Sharon Butler, Managing Director of Priory Group Care Homes Division said: "The experience the Priory Group has in mental health, complex and long term care transfers very well into older people's services. People are now living longer and have more complex needs and associated health issues that we have the experience to care for.

"Atkinson Court has been well received by healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the dementia services it provides for the local community in Leeds.

"We were delighted to welcome Peter Lorimer who is a footballing legend in Leeds and very kindly gave up his time to perform the official opening of the home."

Philip Scott, Chief Executive of The Priory Group who also attended the event, said: "The ageing population means there is increasingly a need for high quality care homes. This has presented a perfect opportunity for The Priory. With the opening of the first care homes in the Priory portfolio we are building on our already strong and established areas of expertise and offering an even more comprehensive range of facilities for service users."

The Priory Group plans to rapidly increase its portfolio of care homes for older people with further new builds in England and Northern Ireland.

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