19/02/10 - Work starts on £2.0 million extension at Innage Grange

Philip Dunne MP said: “25% of the population of south Shropshire are aged over 65 and we have a huge challenge to find proper provision for care for the elderly, so we welcome the addition of 31 nursing beds at Innage Grange. It is with great credit to Coverage Care that they have brought this forward as a much needed amenity for the community in Bridgnorth.”

David Coull, Chief Executive of Coverage Care said: “This is our first residential home in Shropshire to have dual registration as a care home and a nursing home, designed to provide the highest standards of care for 83 residents when it is complete in October 2010.”

“We want to make Innage Grange a sustainable centre for the care of older people and by adding 31 en-suite nursing bedrooms, we will succeed in enhancing the care services we provide in Bridgnorth” said Mr Coull.

Innage Grange care home has been operated by Coverage Care on a not for profit basis since 1997 and currently provides a range of care services, including residential care for 52 older people.

Innage Grange was purchased from Shropshire Council by Coverage Care in May 2009. After consultation, planning permission for a 31 bed nursing extension was granted in June 2009.

When the extension to the rear of the existing home is complete it will create 30 new jobs for nursing, care and support staff, all within walking distance of the town centre.

Nick Coley, Director for the main contractor said: "Thomas Vale Construction is proud to be involved in this scheme which when complete will result in a fantastic facility for the local community. In the current climate we are delighted that employment opportunities for local people will be created throughout the construction period, in addition to the permanent jobs once the project is complete."

Coverage Care looks after over 1600 mainly elderly people in Shropshire, employing 670 highly trained staff and operating from 16 care centres. The company has recently opened a 75 bed care home at Lightmoor View in Telford and a further 75 bed care home ‘Greenfields’ will open in July 2010.