The new Watlington and District 60 bed Care Home replaces the previous 18 bed NHS hospital, which was closed in 2000 and will offer intermediate care to assist earlier discharge from NHS hospitals, general nursing and respite care and will include a specialist unit for older people with mental health needs. A ten-bed Intermediate Care Unit will assist early discharge from NHS hospitals. Elderly patients who have received care from hospitals such as the John Radcliffe in Oxford, will be able to take their time recovering in a modern caring environment.

Part of the site also houses a purpose built GPs surgery for the Chiltern General Practice, which will provide medical cover for the majority of the residents. Sanctuary will also be working in partnership with the local Primary Care Trust to provide rehabilitation and physiotherapy services in another building on the site.

The opening of the Sanctuary care home has created many jobs for local people, which include twenty eight care staff and eleven ancillary staff such as domestic and office staff and a receptionist. Twenty two nurses will be employed at the new home along with support from local physiotherapists and occupational health nurses, who will also serve the local GP practice.

Abdul Okoro the new Care Home Manager said: “Our experience in operating care homes throughout the country has enabled us to understand exactly what is required to provide our clients with the quality of care they expect. As a purpose built home, we have been able to incorporate these requirements right from the start and I am looking forward to working in the local community now that the home is fully operational.”