The Minister for Health, Robin Swann MLA, has officially opened a new specialist nursing home for adults with learning disability and complex needs in North Belfast.
Bradley Court on the Crumlin Road has been built by Gold Healthcare, part of the privately owned Healthcare Ireland Group, based in County Down.
The opening marks the completion of a £2.5million investment in the 12,500 sq ft nursing home, which will provide secure, private ensuite apartment-style living accommodation for up to 11 adults with learning disability. The unit will be staffed by specialist nursing and care staff, after the creation of more than 80 jobs.
Bradley Court will provide this specialist service to the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and it is expected that individuals from the local community and Muckamore Abbey Hospital will be among those taking up the 11 places within the coming weeks, with two additional beds available for shorter term respite care.
Gilbert Yates, founder and CEO of Gold Healthcare said, “Gold Healthcare is focused on meeting the specialist needs of adults with learning disability, acute mental health and acquired brain injury through a person-centred and life-enhancing approach to their care.
“Bradley Court has been designed and specified in consultation with specialists who understand the very particular needs and challenging behaviours of these individuals and our aim is to create a safe, yet homely environment. Our mission is for our residents to feel a sense of value and respect, by providing them with accommodation and care to promote their independence and individuality.”
Each of the 11 private apartments is wheelchair-accessible, has a bedroom with high-spec bed, a specially equipped ensuite bathroom and living room; all ground floor apartments have their own secure private outdoor space. The home has a communal living room, private treatment rooms and a secure shared garden area. All fixtures and fittings have been specified with accessibility, safety and security in mind, including secure window latches, toughened glazing and sensory-friendly finishes, as well as automatic electricity shut off and staff-controlled remote systems to provide extra safety to each resident.
Gilbert Yates said, “I can confidently say that Bradley Court is like nothing else that exists in Northern Ireland, combining security, specialist care and a true home from home. We fully understand how important trust and confidence are for these individuals and their families. As a team, we are very excited for our residents and their carers to get to see it and move in – and hopefully to flourish – in their new home.”
