Multi-million pound investment leads to 80 new healthcare jobs in West Yorkshire

Exemplar Health Care, a provider of specialist nursing care for adults living with complex and high acuity needs, has marked the official opening of Wheldale Heights, its new £4.3m care home in Castleford, West Yorkshire.

The occasion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officiated by Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Josie Pritchard. The mayor expressed her appreciation for Exemplar Health Care’s commitment to meeting the need for specialised care in the area, with Wheldale Heights being the fourth home by the care provider within the region.

Wheldale Heights specialises in supporting adults living with complex mental health needs and neuro-disabilities, including Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Without Wheldale Heights, residents, who have complex and challenging care needs, would otherwise have a prolonged stay in hospital, away from their family and friends.

Following the extensive refurbishment, the home is now split into two, 12-bed communities, as small group living provides a “more homely, supportive, and responsive” care environment. The home also features communal dining and living spaces, sensory bathrooms and a garden for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The home has created 80 new healthcare jobs in the local area, and unlike many local care homes, will feature a multidisciplinary healthcare team, which includes an in-home Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist. The home has already recruited a mix of care, nursing and therapeutic specialists, with recruitment currently ongoing.

Through this specialist team, people living at Wheldale Heights will be able to access the full range of clinical and holistic care they need, with the home particularly adept at supporting individuals that have exceptionally complex care needs or who display behaviours that challenge, which many other nursing and care providers are unable to meet.

Clare Heaton, home manager at Wheldale Heights, commented: “I am delighted to officially open Wheldale Heights and welcome our first residents from the local area.

“Our mission is to make every day better for our residents by providing person-centred care that focuses on maximising independence, building everyday living skills, and empowering people to live as fulfilled lives as possible.”

“Our dedicated and compassionate team forms the foundation of the exceptional care we provide. However, we recognise that our responsibility extends beyond our immediate care home. Our next priority is to foster close collaboration with local health and social care professionals, as well as our valued residents, their families, and the broader community.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.