Work starts on £2.9m boost for the elderly

The scheme at Hampshire County Council's complex in Heron Square will create 30 nursing home beds.

The construction project and new-look accommodation is due to be ready by December next year.

It is being developed within the landscaped grounds and linked to the county council's older people's residential home and will offer a range of care to meet the needs of those who have both general nursing requirements and those who have dementia or physical frailty.

After the new building is completed 26 bedrooms in the existing residential home will be refurbished at an additional cost of £1.3m.

The two-storey building will provide 30 bedrooms with ensuite facilities, an occupational therapy room, medical room, visitor's room and staff offices.

Bedrooms will be arranged in linked groups of ten with each group having its own lounge dining room and assisted bathroom to create a more homely environment.

The new building will be built of materials to blend in with the existing home.

There will be a new landscaped courtyard which residents will be able to get into direct from the communal living area.

This will be created with raised beds, a path network, a water feature, lighting, seating and sensory planting.

Recruitment for staff for the home will begin later this year with a range of posts including nurses, carers and domestic and catering staff.

Hampshire County Council's executive member for social care, Councillor Felicity Hindson said: "It is very exciting to see work starting at Fleming House.

"I am sure older people in the area and their families will greatly welcome these beds which will offer more security and choice in meeting their care needs as they become less able to care for themselves."

She added: "This project is an excellent example of partnership working between ourselves and our health colleagues and I look forward to the beds being ready for use at the end of next year."