Honorary Freeman of Gateshead Jill Halfpenny officially opens state-of-the-art care centre
Honorary Freeman of Gateshead Jill Halfpenny, alongside the Mayor of Gateshead Councillor Kath McCartney and cabinet member for Adult Social Care Councillor John Adams, officially opened our state-of-the-art Promoting Independence Centre at an event to celebrate the innovative care facility on Wednesday (24 July).
The Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre, named after Gateshead's first Honorary Freeman, who was also considered the 'original Angel of the North', offers short-term care for adults to help them to regain the skills and confidence they need to go back to living their lives independently in their own homes.
Guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Kath McCartney and Councillor John Adams to celebrate the teams across the council, NHS and voluntary sector who have worked tirelessly to bring the 60-bed centre in Felling to life, following almost three years of preparations.
These included investment in innovative care technologies, the development of a considered reablement programme and the creation of a spacious and resident-orientated environment which will support residents to thrive independently.
At the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility and meet the teams behind the Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre's daily operations, as well as guests of honour including the artist who painted the portrait of Sister Winifred Laver in 1979 which sits proudly in the centre's lobby.
Guests were also able to enjoy the musical stylings of the Equal Arts choir, which brings together residents at the Sister Winifred Laver and neighbouring care homes every week to rehearse, in addition to their residential arts and culture offer at the centre.
Councillor John Adams, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: "It was an honour to celebrate everyone involved in making such an inspiring facility a reality. People recovering from illness or injury deserve the very best support to help their recovery and rehabilitation. The support they get at this new centre will make a real difference to people's lives - providing first-rate care, often life-changing care, for those who need it in our communities.
"The state-of-the-art building is a testament to our amazing teams across the council, NHS and voluntary sector, who prove themselves every day to be as dedicated to caring for Gateshead as the centre's inspirational namesake.
"I know that everyone who has been involved in the project is immensely proud of what they have achieved, and I would like to thank each and every person who brought the ambitious centre to life for their service to residents across the borough."
Jill Halfpenny, who was granted 'Freedom of the borough of Gateshead' in 2013 in recognition of her services to theatre, television, and charity, said: "It was a pleasure to have been part of the event. I grew up not too far from the centre in Leam Lane, and it was great to represent Felling and see the difference the centre will make for our communities."
The centre has already made a significant difference to the lives of its residents. Maureen Campell, who has been at the centre for two weeks after losing her mobility, said: "I've been working with physiotherapy and occupational therapy workers since I've arrived, and I've already seen a huge difference in my mobility. I can't fault the amazing work of the carers, they've been fantastic."
The centre is now the only one of its kind in Gateshead, allowing residents to receive exceptional care at one state-of-the art site, situated close to the QE hospital, as the council prioritises its 'home-first' approach to adult social care over the coming years.
Honorary Freeman of Gateshead Jill Halfpenny, alongside the Mayor of Gateshead Councillor Kath McCartney and cabinet member for Adult Social Care Councillor John Adams, officially opened our state-of-the-art Promoting Independence Centre at an event to celebrate the innovative care facility on Wednesday (24 July).
The Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre, named after Gateshead's first Honorary Freeman, who was also considered the 'original Angel of the North', offers short-term care for adults to help them to regain the skills and confidence they need to go back to living their lives independently in their own homes.
Guests were welcomed by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Kath McCartney and Councillor John Adams to celebrate the teams across the council, NHS and voluntary sector who have worked tirelessly to bring the 60-bed centre in Felling to life, following almost three years of preparations.
These included investment in innovative care technologies, the development of a considered reablement programme and the creation of a spacious and resident-orientated environment which will support residents to thrive independently.
At the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the facility and meet the teams behind the Sister Winifred Laver Promoting Independence Centre's daily operations, as well as guests of honour including the artist who painted the portrait of Sister Winifred Laver in 1979 which sits proudly in the centre's lobby.
Guests were also able to enjoy the musical stylings of the Equal Arts choir, which brings together residents at the Sister Winifred Laver and neighbouring care homes every week to rehearse, in addition to their residential arts and culture offer at the centre.
Councillor John Adams, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: "It was an honour to celebrate everyone involved in making such an inspiring facility a reality. People recovering from illness or injury deserve the very best support to help their recovery and rehabilitation. The support they get at this new centre will make a real difference to people's lives - providing first-rate care, often life-changing care, for those who need it in our communities.
"The state-of-the-art building is a testament to our amazing teams across the council, NHS and voluntary sector, who prove themselves every day to be as dedicated to caring for Gateshead as the centre's inspirational namesake.
"I know that everyone who has been involved in the project is immensely proud of what they have achieved, and I would like to thank each and every person who brought the ambitious centre to life for their service to residents across the borough."
Jill Halfpenny, who was granted 'Freedom of the borough of Gateshead' in 2013 in recognition of her services to theatre, television, and charity, said: "It was a pleasure to have been part of the event. I grew up not too far from the centre in Leam Lane, and it was great to represent Felling and see the difference the centre will make for our communities."
The centre has already made a significant difference to the lives of its residents. Maureen Campell, who has been at the centre for two weeks after losing her mobility, said: "I've been working with physiotherapy and occupational therapy workers since I've arrived, and I've already seen a huge difference in my mobility. I can't fault the amazing work of the carers, they've been fantastic."
The centre is now the only one of its kind in Gateshead, allowing residents to receive exceptional care at one state-of-the art site, situated close to the QE hospital, as the council prioritises its 'home-first' approach to adult social care over the coming years.
