The Sylvia Richardson Care Facility was officially opened by Government ministers a fortnight ago.

During the January 28 opening, then-Minister of Health Nelson Bascome reminded the public that St. George’s had been without a residential care facility for around five years.

“It was in 2002 that the St. George’s Parish Rest Home was closed because of health and safety concerns,” he said.

“Before rebuilding, the Ministry of Health reviewed the residential care needs of seniors across the Island and commissioned a report on design specifications for long term care facilities.

“The result, is this new state-of-the art facility.”

Mr. Bascome pointed out that this was only the first step in Government’s commitment to restructure and upgrade senior residential care and nursing homes on the Island.

“It is to ensure the provision of safe, comfortable and healthy living environments,” said the Minister.

The new facility will provide needed long term care in the eastern parishes in particular, and help to address a pressing need for more intermediate and skilled nursing care across the Island.

“The intent of this facility is to provide care and services from assisted living to skilled nursing in an integrated fashion,” he added.

“It embraces the concept of ageing in place, making it possible for residents to experience dignity, care, and individualism at all levels of physical and cognitive ability without having to relocate.

“It will establish a new benchmark and be the future model for residential care, nursing homes and other continuing care facilities throughout Bermuda.

“The design is based on a philosophy of caring by enabling choices. The mission of the facility is to deliver effective resident centred care in a home-like environment through the involvement of residents, caregivers and the community.”

Mr. Bascome pointed out that there were a number of Government departments and agencies, organisations and individuals who contributed to the development of the facility.

“The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Works and Engineering have taken the lead in planning and remodelling this structure,” he said.

“This involved a number of contractors and subcontractors in the building and renovation of this multi-level care complex.

“Steel, bricks and mortar were integrated through the use of design, mechanism, technology, knowledge and the human element to develop this facility in response to the needs of our seniors.”

He applauded all concerned and he ventured to say, “I think that you will also acknowledge the quality of their work, as you tour the facility.

“We certainly have a building that we can be proud of.”

But above everyone else, he thanked two individuals.

“In particular, Mrs. Rosheena Masters, the administrator of Lefroy House, who served as the project manager for the Department of Health through the planning and construction of this facility.

“And Mrs. Lucy Chung with the Ministry of Works and Engineering, who served as the principal engineer.”

The Government is excited and honoured to be charged with the responsibility of matching the physical environment with suitably qualified, talented individuals will to be a part of restoring the care of seniors to a place of reverence in our community.

“We recognise that we must provide a continuum of services that supports seniors and assists them in maintaining their independence and involvement in their communities,” Mr. Bascome said.

“We challenge you to journey with us in providing excellent resident-directed care and services that will unite us in making residential care and nursing homes in Bermuda the place to live.”