Renaming ceremony at Laverstock Care Centre

The recently renamed ‘Laverstock Care Centre’ threw its doors open to the community on April 5th for its official renaming ceremony, led by the Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor John Collier.

Residents and staff at Laverstock Care Centre, which provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 80 people, were joined by friends, relatives and members of the local community to usher in a new era for the home. Special guests at the renaming ceremony included Elizabeth Bartlett, who works closely with the 80 bed home as an independent dementia consultant. Mrs. Bartlett gave a compelling talk to over 40 guests on ‘Living life with dementia at Laverstock Care Centre.’

The renaming of Witnerbourne Care Centre came as a result of the care home having suffered months of threats by email and phone from people thinking it was connected to Winterbourne View, the now infamous South Gloucestershire service shown on BBC’s Panorama programme. Following a second programme, the Caring Homes group felt it was left with no choice but to change the name and draw a close to the false association. The new name was decided through a staff competition run at the home.

Laverstock Care Centre manager Helen Pessell said:

‘The past 18 months have been challenging at times, but we are hoping this will draw a line under that period, and we are all looking forward to a new era as Laverstock Care Centre. We decided to choose our Receptionist Sandra Pentelow’s entry of ‘Laverstock Care Centre’ from the shortlist as it perfectly reflects the home’s history of, and ongoing intention to, play an active role in local life.

I would like to thank Cllr Collier and everyone who attended for making it such a special day for the residents and staff. ’