North care home group continues expansion
Parklands launches search for new managers as it plans further growth
18 June 2012
One of the north’s largest independent care home providers is about to embark on the first phase of a major expansion in the Highlands and Moray.
Parklands Care Homes, based in Buckie, has launched a search for two senior managers to oversee the running of two existing care homes in Tain and Muir of Ord, ahead of their planned replacement in autumn 2013.
Earlier this year, Parklands was named preferred bidder by The Highland Council for a £5 million project to replace the ageing facilities at Urray House in Muir of Ord and Duthac House in Tain with new state of the art facilities.
Each new care home will provide 34 en-suite bedrooms, with scope to increase to 40 bedrooms in the future. Room sizes will be 40% larger than the minimum standards, and bedrooms will feature flat screen TVs, internet connections and provision for direct dialing into residents’ rooms.
Staff, residents and their relatives would be encouraged to contribute to the smooth running of both homes through regular focus groups and evening and weekend surgeries.
The new care homes will be built by the infrastructure, support services and construction group Robertson, which has committed to employ apprentices in the building phase, and engage local suppliers.
In the meantime, the operation of both existing homes will transfer to Parklands later this summer, with staff currently employed by The Highland Council also transferring to the company on their current terms and conditions.
The family run Parklands group currently owns six care homes in Moray and Highland, providing 170 care placements and employing 275 staff.
Managing Director Ron Taylor said the opening of the two new care homes marked the start of an ambitious period of expansion for the company, including the opening of a new facility in Elgin and the replacement of its existing Mount Barker home in Grantown.
In line with its expansion, the company is currently recruiting two new full time managers for the homes in Tain and Muir of Ord, and one full time manager for its existing Glen Isla home in Keith.
Mr Taylor said: “We are determined to ensure that the transfer of Urray House and Duthac House to Parklands is as seamless as possible, and our plans are progressing well. The appointment of two high caliber and experienced managers at each facility will ensure that we effect the transition in a manner consistent with the high standard of care that residents expect and deserve.
“At the same time, we are progressing our plans for the new facilities at Tain and Muir of Ord, which will provide state of the art care for residents, and will set a new benchmark for care provision in the north.”
Mr Taylor added: “Our five year plan is to rebuild our home in Grantown on Spey offering 40 ensuite rooms and also develop a new facility in Elgin. As a Moray based company, which has served the region for more than 20 years, we are very excited about our continued expansion across Moray and the Highlands. The opportunity to deliver high standards of care and create high quality jobs across the region is one we relish.”
About Parklands
Parklands Highland is a wholly owned subsidiary of Parklands Ltd, which owns and operates six care homes in Moray and Highland.
The Parklands Group was established in 1993 by Ron Taylor, with the first purpose built Parklands care home located in Buckie.
Nursing, personal and palliative care is provided either permanently, for holiday breaks, short periods of respite care or to convalesce after a hospital stay. Specialist care is available for those with physical or mental disabilities. Close care is provided for independent living. The company also offers a day service for non residents on a daily basis.
The company won a Highlands & Islands Enterprise Silver Award for innovation, partnerships, sustainability and economic benefit through its SQA training. The company also won the Scottish and UK National Training Awards for training and development. In 2008, Parklands was named ‘Multiple Care Home Owner of the Year’ in the Scottish Care Awards.
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More information:
Donald Morrison
07915 853129