Chairman Reopens Melvich Home

The recently-refurbished Melvich Community Care Home in North Sutherland was formally reopened on Tuesday 28 February by Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work. 

The home, which has undergone works costing £236,000 to meet new standards, has six residential beds, including one for respite care. It also provides day care for eight day care users.

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of the Housing and Social Work Committee, met with residents and day care users at the informal reopening ceremony.

She said: “The investment at Melvich provides modern and high quality services for older people in this area. We would like to thank residents and day care users – and their families – for their tolerance during the refurbishment.  I know everyone will be happy with the upgrade of this very important community asset. Our staff  involved have done wonderful work, supporting everyone throughout the period. They have done well.”

The upgrade began in June of last year and residents moved back into the home at the end of last year.  Two residents were decanted to a private house in Forss, by Thurso, and three were accommodated at Pentland View Nursing Home, Scrabster, by Thurso. Day care and the lunch club meetings were held at Strathy Hall.

Melvich is one of four homes to be upgraded in this financial year to meet new Care Commission standards.  Residents at Bayview House, Thurso, are due to return to the refurbished home on Monday 20 February.  Work is also nearing completion at Seaforth House, Golspie, and Dail Mhor, Strontian. The total investment is £1.2 million.

The Council has plans to refurbish Strathburn House, near Gairloch, Pulteney House, Wick, and the MacIntosh Centre, Mallaig in the new financial year.