60 jobs could be created at new dementia home in Hamble

The plans for land to the back of Blackthorn Health Centre, in Satchell Lane in Hamble, have been put forward by Healthcare Management Trust.

The 64-bedroom care home, could create 64 jobs, according to the trust and would be built right next to a health centre.

They say that residents in the home, will live as part of a small community of 16 people, where carers are encouraged to stay.

The plans have been submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council.

The Healthcare Management Trust in a statement said: “We are acutely aware of the need for specialist dementia accommodation in south Hampshire, particularly outside of the many cities and towns where the average age of the population is older.

“The opportunity to develop a bespoke dementia care centre on the Hamble peninsula is very exciting.

“It would be a flagship development for us.

“The home would be Admiral Nurse led and would also function as a centre of excellence for the dissemination of best practice care through out the local community, in addition we would look to use the home as a base for care education and research.”

Conservative borough councillor for Hamble-le-Rice, Elizabeth Lear said she welcomed the plan, but warned she did not like the idea of the home being built on the strategic gap between the villages of Hamble and Bursledon.

Cllr Lear said: “I thought it was a good idea, especially where it is situated as it is close to the doctors surgery.

“I know that it closes the strategic gap between Hamble and Burseldon, which is not a precedent but apart from that when I saw it I thought it was a good idea.”

Residents wanting to share their views on the proposal have until April 27.

The need for specialist dementia accommodation is set to increase over the forthcoming decades as people live longer but will be prone to these chronic conditions, with the success in cutting back on cancers and tackling heart disease and stroke.

Visit planning.eastleigh.gov.uk for more information.