Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 04 October 2001 For Use: Immediately

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New Care Facilities In Stornoway

Kenny Maclennan, the Chairman of Alzheimers Lewis and Harris, officially opened a new £130,000 development within the special Dementia Unit at Dun Eisdean in Stornoway today (Thursday 4th October).

The day facilities in the unit have been extended, and two new respite care beds have been added, providing professional round-the-clock care for older people with special care needs.

The development arises from a financial partnership between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Western Isles Health Board.

In his address, Mr Maclennan paid tribute to the two organisations for the approach that had resulted in the improvements to the service within Dun Eisdean. "These facilities are wonderful," he said, "and I also want to acknowledge the contribution that the staff working here make to the quality of life enjoyed by residents. Our organisation has a role in lobbying for better services, and we have had blunt exchanges in the past with both the Comhairle and the Health Board. Today, I congratulate both of them on this achievement."

The new resource is now fully operational. Speaking after the opening reception, Director of Social Work, Malcolm Smith said, "On the scale of where the Comhairle wants to go with its care services, this is a modest step, but its significance shouldn't be underestimated. Apart from the better physical environment, the provision of respite care beds will be a vital new service for many older people and their families."

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer