NURSING and residential care provider MD Healthcare in Newtownards has acquired a nearby care group in a multi-million-pound investment backed by Ulster Bank.
It has taken over the running of Ashdon Care Ltd, which operates the 45-bed Beverly Lodge private nursing home and the nine-bed Hollybank Manor residential care home on the Bangor Road in Newtownards.
It is expected a further 10 full-time equivalent nursing roles will be created as part of the investment, increasing the total workforce at MD Healthcare (which is part of the Domestic Care Group) to 350.
Over the next 18 months MD - which provides more than 200 care places in residential and nursing settings - plans to invest in improving facilities for both staff and residents, to include a residents’ therapy suite and revitalised outdoor living spaces.
As well as modernising IT systems, a new e-learning portal will be introduced for staff to champion the latest developments in the field of nursing and residential care.
Lesley Megarity, chief executive at Domestic Care Group, said Ashdon Care is a strategic acquisition that will enable MD to enhance the delivery of dementia care services.
She said: “As MD Healthcare continues to expand its portfolio of quality nursing and residential care homes, we focus on the development of facilities that respond to the needs of residents and the local communities we deliver our services in.
“Ashdon Care has an outstanding reputation within the local community in the field of dementia care. As part of the MD group, it will enhance our provision of dementia care services and provide a facility within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to continue to grow our brand of quality care.”
Gemma Jordan, commercial banking senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank, said: “We have worked closely with MD Healthcare for many years and are pleased to facilitate the purchase of Ashdon Care, the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions which is enabling it to maintain forward momentum and grow its presence, workforce and care provisions in all of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trust areas.”
MD Healthcare also owns and operates Aughnacloy House in Lurgan, which provides care for 71 residents, including those living with dementia.
It acquired the Carrickfergus-based Burleigh Hill House in 2016 which provides nursing and residential care for 56 service users.
The following year it acquired Rathmena House in Ballyclare, which is currently being developed to increase capacity and introduce additional luxury, purpose-built rooms to meet the needs of its residents.
