Caernarfon dementia centre will create 100 jobs

MORE than 100 new jobs will be created by a “world class” dementia centre. Care firm Pendine Park has submitted a £5m plan to turn the former Ysbyty Bryn Seiont, Caernarfon into a state-of-the-art 77-bed dementia and nursing centre.

A former sanatorium, Bryn Seiont on Pant Road was closed in 2004 despite local opposition, with services moved to Ysbyty Eryri nearby.

In April it was targeted by arsonists.

 Pendine Park owners Mario and Gill Kreft revealed that their vision for Canolfan Gofal Bryn Seiont was “to provide a world-class community-based resource for people with dementia who need high-dependancy care not currently available in the area.”

Mr Kreft said: “Over the past two years we have consulted extensively with the local authority, social services and the local health board so that we can provide a service that responds to local needs. We will also be holding a consultation event in November.

“We aim to create a centre of excellence in Caernarfon to provide 24/7 services and they will include respite and day services.Š

“But they will also be closely linked with our teaching care centre which is going to ensure that our staff have the highest possible standard of training and personal development.”

The Krefts, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Wrexham based Pendine Park last year, entered the care sector when they were unable to find suitable residential care for their elderly grandparents.

Gill Kreft said: “We were in a position where we couldn’t really find those services so we decided to take matters into our own hands and provide the sort of care that we felt was required for our grandparents, providing us with peace of mind and our grandparents with dignity and respect.”

While welcoming the investment, Caernarfon and Gwynedd councillor Ioan Thomas said: “Although a development of this nature is sure to bring in employment, I am concerned that discussions regarding other care providers currently in this area has not been discussed and considered with us as local representatives.”

The Krefts run six care homes, a domiciliary care company and a teaching care centre in the Wrexham area where they employ 500 people.

Mr Kreft is chair of Care Forum Wales and last year was awarded an MBE for his contribution to social care in Wales.