THE MP for North Somerset, Sir Liam Fox, has unveiled a newly refurbished care home in Nailsea.

Sycamore Lodge, which is operated by Shaw Healthcare, has recently undergone a £350,000 refurbishment and now boasts a new-look atrium area.

Extensive work was also carried out on the units and additional visiting space. This was designed with input from residents in the theme of a garden and bus stops.

There are also paintings from local artists on display.

Sir Liam joined residents, family and staff to celebrate the unveiling, as well as councillors Nigel Ashton, Terry Porter and Luke Smith, the architect of the refurbishment, Katherine Hegarty, as well as CEO for Shaw healthcare, Russell Brown.

 Barry O’Driscoll, service manager, said: “We wanted to create a real community feel and through maximising natural light, we have created a real focal point for the home.

"We will be looking to schedule live music events and regular exercise classes for our residents as well as opening the space to community and support groups.

“We will be looking to hold support sessions in the café area and welcoming people from the local area providing a valuable insight into what people can expect when caring for a loved one with dementia as well as reflecting on personal experiences.”

Those at the event also took the chance to thank senior support worker Sarah Knight and domestic assistant Patrice Welsh, who are retiring. Other long-term employees were presented with gifts and certificates.

North Somerset Times: Patrice Welch and Sarah Knight are retiring.Patrice Welch and Sarah Knight are retiring. (Image: Freshwater)

The service at Sycamore Lodge is run in partnership with North Somerset Council. The facility can care for up to 78 people, including those with dementia.

The Shaw Healthcare website reads: "Sycamore Lodge is bright and spacious with lots of love and laughter where our ethos is wellness, happiness and kindness to care for the individual and support the family.

"We are a 78 bedded residential and nursing home in Nailsea near Bristol.

"We care for people living with dementia with either residential or nursing needs from onset of dementia to end of life.

"We also care for elderly persons with general nursing needs on our 18 bed nursing floor."