Centre for people with special needs to open its doors

A NEW era for care services in Royton will be welcomed when the revamped Highbarn Resource Centre opens next week.

The new-look day care centre will open its doors on Wednesday.

The centre provides specialist dementia care and care for adults with complex needs as well as carrying out other assessments.

Councillor Phil Harrison, cabinet member for adult social services and health, said: “Highbarn is an extremely valuable facility that is able to offer 20 places for people with complex needs and give them access to a wide range of activities in a supportive environment. At the same time it provides carers with the opportunity for respite, guidance and assistance for those that need it.”

The reopening is the latest step in the shake-up of social services in the borough.

It comes as Oldham Council prepares to consider several options over Limecroft Care Home, in Whitebank Road in Limeside.

At a meeting today cabinet members will decide whether to reopen the 20-bed residential car home using the previous operating model, enter a new partnership with the an arms-length trust or seek a new partnership with an independent provider.

The centre closed in March this year.

A refurbished wing at Medlock Court in Lees opened in March this year, providing 32 places for dementia sufferers in need of short-stay or respite care.

Meanwhile care continues to be provided under the NHS at Butler Green home in Chadderton, after care was transferred from the council in April.