I’ll make Montrose House a place to be proud of
‘The most important things the care of the residents i – they will always be our number one priority’
The new boss of Montrose House has pledged to make the care home a firstclass facility for the island.
Morven Ross-Bain has been appointed unit manager of the Brodick care home, which provides round-the-clock care for 20 residents, as well as the Stronach Day Care Centre.
The new £5.6 million residential home officially opened a year ago and there have been challenges along the way. However, new boss Morven has implemented an action plan which, with the support of the 32 care staff, should see the care home heading in the right direction.
New procedures
Morven said: ‘We have an improvement plan which is all about moving things forward such as staff development and the implementation of new procedures.’
She admitted that the home faced some challenges which included staff recruitment, given the shortage of affordable accommodation on the island, and rural transport issues.
She also said the home ‘almost always’ ran at full capacity, adding: ‘There is a lot of need on the island for the services we offer.’ But as the care home has the capability to increase its capacity to accommodate a further 10 residents, Morven is keen to see Montrose House reach its full potential.
‘Running a care home on an island has its particular challenges, the same as those faced by other businesses and organisations on the island,’ Morven said but added: ‘They are worth overcoming as it is a great facility.’
Morven went on: ‘We have a fantastic building in beautiful surroundings for the residents to enjoy and I’m very excited about the future for Montrose House. The most important thing
though is the care of the residents – they will always be our number one priority.’
Amazing
She added: ‘I want the residents who live here to experience holistic care at its very best. We have an amazing opportunity to improve our service and ensure that our residents are experiencing first-class, person-centred care.
‘I also want to change the perception that some people may have of places such as Montrose House. People may view us as a care facility or even an institution but we are so much more than that. It should feel like home for those who live with us.’
After a soft opening to iron out teething problems, the new Montrose House was officially opened last June by Scottish health secretary Shona Robison MSP at a special ceremony.
It was designed to be a fit-for-purpose care environment which offers long-term residential support to those who can no longer be supported at home. And it aims to complement the existing health and social care facilities on the island, including those offered by the independent sector.
Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom and access to a beautiful and secure garden which has been designed specifically to meet the needs of service-users and features comfortable seating and shaded areas.
Different activities
Stronach Day Service is based in a purpose-built wing within Montrose House. This modern service gives older people the opportunity to take part in a wide range of different activities.
At the opening Ms Robison said: ‘This is the kind of all-round approach which we need to take when it comes to caring for our older people.’