Stow Healthcare has opened a newly refurbished nursing unit and memory centre at it Horkesley Manor care home in Colchester, Essex.

The units were officially opened by Professor Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse for adult social care, in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on 27 June.

Professor Sturdy said: “It was a pleasure to visit Horkesley Manor to officially open the nursing unit and memory centre, as part of National Care Home Open Week. It is great to see an organisation like Stow Healthcare being progressive in their care offering and this is evident in the quality and thoughtfulness of the refurbishment. Their philosophy of taking on existing homes and turning them around, coupled with the dedication and commitment of their staff, is a recipe for success.”

Operations director Ruth French commented: “When we bought Horkesley Manor in October, we couldn’t have anticipated the warmth and support we would receive from the residents, families and staff at this home. We have been able to take everyone forward with us on the journey at this home and there is a bright future ahead. We hope with continued investment and leadership, we can give the team and those who live here, a home they feel truly proud to live and work in.

Managing director Roger Catchpole added: “We are delighted to announce the opening of the Aspen Memory Centre and the Willow Nursing Unit at Horkesley Manor Care Home. These two new services will add high-quality specialist care accommodation to Colchester. With the support of Essex County Council, NHS Suffolk and Northeast Essex ICB, the Care Quality Commission and the local community, I am confident Horkesley Manor will become one of the best care homes in the area.”

Following the success of the Maple Memory Centre in Suffolk, the Aspen Memory Centre uses Montessori principles for memory care to support independence and takes away the ‘clinical’ feel of a care home, which can cause anxiety in those living with memory loss.