RESIDENTS WELCOMED BACK TO BAYVIEW
 Residents at Bayview House, Thurso, were welcomed back to the residential home this week following a £380,000 refurbishment to meet new standards. Councillor David Flear, Convener of The Highland Council's Caithness Area Committee, and Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Caithness Area Social Work Committee, greeted the first residents to return to the home following an eight-month absence. The home was closed in June last year to allow contractors to upgrade bedrooms by removing sinks to create more space and installing showers instead of baths. Separate entrances have been created for day care users and residents while doorways have been widened for wheelchair access and a full sprinkler system installed. During the works, the 18 residents were accommodated at Caberfeidh Court, Wick; Seaview Nursing Home, Wick, and Pentland View Nursing Home, Thurso. Day care was provided at Unit 3, Ormlie Industrial Estate, Thurso, which was leased from Thurso College. On completion of refurbishment, Bayview now has facilities for 24 day care clients per day. Councillor Flear said: "I would like to thank residents and day care users for their patience and understanding during the period of refurbishment. I would also like to pay tribute to our staff for so readily adapting to new work patterns in different locations and then ensuring a smooth return to Bayview. They do a marvellous job." Resident, Mrs Nellie Ham, who hails from Mey, said the impact of being away from Bayview was cushioned by staff joining residents at the temporary accommodation. She said: "We are delighted with our new rooms and the other improvements to the home. The care we receive at Bayview is second to none." Bayview is one of four Council-run homes currently being upgraded to meet new national standards of care. The refurbishment of Melvich Community Care Centre, North Sutherland, will be marked with a reopening ceremony on Tuesday (28 February). Residents will soon to be able to return to Seaforth House, Golspie, and Dail Mhor Home, Strontian, following facelifts. The total cost of the work 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. |