MD Healthcare plans new jobs after buying Newtownards home

A MAJOR residential care provider has bought a Co Down nursing home in a multi-million pound deal.

MD Healthcare has purchased Ashdon Care, operator of the 45bed Beverly Lodge and ninebed Hollybank Manor in Newtownards.

The new owners plan to create 10 nursing jobs as part of the investment, which has been supported by Ulster Bank, bringing MD Healthcare’s workforce to 350.

MD Healthcare is part of Domestic Care Group, which owns Optimum Care. MD owns Aughnacloy House in Lurgan, as well as Burleigh Hill House in Carrickfergus.

Domestic Care chief executive Lesley Megarity said: “As MD Healthcare continues to expand its portfolio of quality nursing and residential care homes, we focus on the development of facilities that respond to the needs of residents and the local communities we deliver our services in.

“Ashdon Care has an outstanding reputation within the local community in the field of dementia care.

“As part of the MD Healthcare group of nursing and residential care homes, it will enhance our provision of dementia care services and provide a facility within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to continue to grow our brand of quality care.”

Gemma Jordan, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank, said: “We are pleased to facilitate the purchase of Ashdon Care, the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions that is enabling the care provider to maintain forward momentum and grow its presence, workforce and care provisions in all of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trust areas.”

MD Healthcare said that it’s planning to invest in improving facilities for staff and residents, adding a residents’ therapy suite. It’s also planning to modernise IT systems.