Joy as £6m care site takes shape

WORK on a long-awaited state-of- the-art care home could be completed by the end of next year.

Grwp Gwalia’s new nursing care home on land to the rear of the existing Mynydd Mawr Hospital in Upper Tumble looks on track to be completed by the end of 2012.

A spokeswoman for Gwalia — the care and housing provider — said: “Since March the foundations and other groundworks have been completed and the building’s footprint is now starting to take shape.

“Gwalia’s aim is for the construction to be ‘wind and weather proof’ by the end of 2011 thereby enabling the internal fit-out to proceed during 2012.”

The development, costing more than £6 million, will provide high quality services and care facilities for 65 residents. It will be the first in Carmarthenshire to provide en-suite shower rooms to all rooms, exceeding the Care and Social Services Inspectorate’s recommendations, giving residents increased levels of privacy and independence.

The care home will also cater for people with dementia and those who require specialist care associated with their weight.

The development will be divided into five clusters of 13 rooms, each with a nursing station, assisted bathroom and a communal living and dining room.

There will also be two courtyard “sensory” gardens designed to provide safe and pleasant outdoor areas for residents.

Clive Scourfield, chairman of the Friends of Mynydd Mawr Hospital, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the completion of the work by TRJ (T Richard Jones). My understanding is they are well on target.

“This development secures the future of Mynydd Mawr hospital and adds to facilities for the elderly and infirm in Carmarthenshire.

“We look forward to working with Gwalia in the same way as we currently work with Mynydd Mawr hospital.”

T Richard Jones are expected to be on site until December 2012.

Chair of Llannon Community Council, Councillor Terry Evans, welcomed the development. He said: “I am pleased to see the progress being made on the project and look forward to it being signed off later this year.”