A SPECIALIST provider of learning disability, autism and mental health services is opening a new bespoke facility in Darlington.

Hollyhurst Lodge, in Woodland Road, has been completely refurbished to provide personalised care and accommodation for two men with complex needs who have lived in hospital for a number of years.

The facility, which is owned by Danshell, sits in the grounds of their Hollyhurst site and the two men have been involved in the layout, furnishing and design of the site.

They will each have a separate lounge and bedroom with a shared kitchen, sensory garden and summer house, and the facility will be staffed 24 hours a day by nurses and support staff.

The company is recruiting around 20 support workers and a number of learning disability or mental health nurses to work at Hollyhurst Lodge and other sites in the area, and a recruitment day will be held at Morton Park on Monday, July 20.

Stella Bolger, project manager for Hollyhurst Lodge, said: “I am looking forward to working closely with the service users, their families and other key professionals involved in their care.

“Hollyhurst Lodge will integrate with the local community and provide a safe environment, delivering compassionate and effective care by a highly skilled group of care professionals.

“I am particularly delighted that one gentleman is able to return to his home town and be close to friends and family after many years in a hospital environment.”

Andrew Murray, CEO of Danshell, added: “This service has been designed specifically to meet the needs of these two service users.

“Hollyhurst Lodge is a service that Darlington can be proud of, providing safe, person-centred care that meets the needs of commissioners and reflects the current thinking of supporting service users in the least restrictive environment."