Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 23 November 2000 For Use: Immediately

Major Redevelopment For Residential Home

Trianaid Residential Home in North Uist is to undergo a £450,000 redevelopment, funded jointly by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Western Isles Health Board.

The Social Work Committee of the Comhairle was told today that this would enable a comprehensive improvement programme to be implemented, aimed at making the service better able to meet the needs of people with higher levels of disability,

"Trianaid has been an invaluable resource for older people in North Uist", said Cllr. Mairi Bremner, Chairman of the Social Work Committee, "but it is clear that the design of the building does not meet the needs of the older, more frail residents who now need to be cared for away from home".

The joint funding by the Comhairle and the Health Board of the redevelopment of a residential home is a new venture in the Western Isles. "The Western Isles pioneered joint ventures many years ago in the building of St. Brendan's, the residential home and hospital on Barra", said Mrs. Bremner. "This is further progression in joint care for older people in the islands".

The rebuilding of Trianaid will see the 15 residential places reduced to 12. However, the present home, spread over three seaparate buildings, has seen falling demand in recent years. The redevloped home, with improved space standards and 'extra care' beds constructed to meet nursing standards, will be under one roof, and is designed to cater for more dependent, older people.

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Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk