Pictured: (l-r) Carl Scarlett (Goldendale), Lee Stringfellow (Goldendale), Rita Scarlett (Goldendale), Steve Shaw (RBS)

The Goldendale Care Home in Tunstall has started work on a major refurbishment programme which will see it greatly expand to take in even more residents. The home has agreed a new funding package with the specialist healthcare team at RBS to support the refurbishment.

Goldendale is a privately run residential care home for the elderly and people with dementia type illnesses. It provides a secure, relaxed and homely environment with its staff focused on making residents feel secure and comfortable. The home is owned and managed by Rita Scarlett, together with Carl Scarlett and Lee Stringfellow who are fellow directors. They are supported by Lorna Jones who is the Care Home Manager. They bought the home 18 months ago. At the moment the home is full and has a waiting list.

Presently the home provides 19 beds across 17 rooms. Under the new plans, when the work is completed that will increase to 28 all single, en suite rooms that correspond to latest healthcare regulations. This growth in the number of rooms will be achieved by utilising previously unused space on the ground floor of the two storey building. Residents will also have the use of brand new communal areas with a new commercial kitchen and laundry also being created. Work is expected to be completed in November, with the new rooms available from early December.

Shropshire building contractors Shingler Construction are managing the refurbishment programme alongside Keele based quantity surveyors GMG Associates.

RBS has provided a loan of £430k to both fund the refurbishment and restructure some existing debt.

Speaking about the refurbishment Rita Scarlett said: "The home was purpose built in 1995 and this is the first major refurbishment since this time. We have used innovative designs that we feel maximises the space and potential available to us. The comfort and care of our residents is the most important aspect to us and we are confident that both our existing and new residents will be very happy with the new and improved finished home."

Steve Shaw, Relationship Director, Healthcare at RBS in Stoke added: "The current full occupancy levels indicate the appeal of Goldendale. By adding another nine beds and providing all single ensuite rooms, the directors are meeting the growing demand for their care services in an environment that is fit for purpose in an ever changing and ageing community. This major expansion was always planned by the management team and rewards their visionary approach."