New care centre opens in Darley Dale

Left to right, Coun Anne Western, Meadow View service user Mick Wood, Coun Paul Smith and Coun Paul Jones. Picture submitted.

A new multi-million pound specialist community care centre in Darley Dale has officially opened its doors.

Derbyshire County Council’s £10million Meadow View Community Care Centre on Bakewell Road officially opened on Monday, offering specialist care to older people with dementia and complex needs.

County council leader Councillor Anne Western was joined by deputy cabinet member for adult social care, Coun Paul Jones, strategic director of adult care, Joy Hollister, and unit manager at Meadow View, Jayne Baker.

A plaque was unveiled in front of invited guests including Meadow View residents and staff, councillors, representatives from organisations behind the development and community groups.

In 2013 the county council asked people living, working or with connections to Darley Dale to suggest names for the new centre – with Meadow View coming out as people’s first choice.

Coun Western said: “It gives me great pleasure to open another excellent addition to our care home family.

“The facilities here at Meadow View are outstanding and the centre will become a real focal point for the community with open public areas offering internet access, a hairdresser, a café/bistro and health and wellbeing zones that everyone can use.

“We hope people are looking forward to making Meadow View their home over the coming years and we’ll continue with our commitment to providing high standards of care for our elderly residents.”

Coun Jones added: “A lot of hard work has gone into our newest community care centre and I’m proud to be there for the official opening.

“Meadow View puts residents at the centre of any care or support they need, making sure their physical, emotional and mental well-being is being looked after.

“It’s an excellent addition to the community and will serve local people well in the years to come.”

Meadow View has been built next to the Whitworth Hospital near Matlock and includes:

• 16 long-term residential care beds for older people – including specialist care for people with dementia

• 16 short-term residential care beds to help more people return home or stay at home – including respite care and rehabilitation

• A health and wellbeing zone