The Countess of Verulam, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, unveiled a commemorative plaque and cut the ribbon to officially open the much-needed 118-bedroom site in Tamblin Way, Hatfield.

On unveiling the plaque the Countess said: "This venture will be very beneficial to the residents of Hatfield and Welwyn, providing a high level of nursing care for the elderly in the area. I congratulate all the parties involved."

The modern, purpose-built home which will be managed and operated by Sanctuary Care, a subsidiary of Sanctuary Group, offers a safe, comfortable and friendly environment for residents in need of general nursing care and those in need of dementia care. It boasts a safe garden for residents with dementia and houses a domiciliary resource base from which Sanctuary Home Care will support people in their own homes.

Local people will be given priority for places and the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Borough, Councillor Michael Long, welcomed the 100 plus full and part time jobs that have been created.

He also added: "The provision of this impressive home will enable residents whose relatives are in need of care to remain within the community."

Derek James, Chairman of Sanctuary Care, said: "I would like to thank Sanctuary Group and the main contractors, Baxter & King Construction Ltd, for providing this splendid facility, an important health care contribution for the community. I am confident that our dedicated staff will provide the highest standard of care and give residents a home from home experience."