Parklands Care Homes is to take over the operation of Huntly Care Home from today (6 May).
Parklands, which operates 11 care homes across Moray and the Highlands, will assume responsibility for the home from Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP).
The Partnership has managed the care home since April 2023 when the previous operator withdrew its registration.
Staff employed by the previous operator will automatically transfer to Parklands while short-term contract staff appointed by AHSCP have been offered the opportunity to apply to remain in role, in line with Care Inspectorate requirements. Parklands is also actively recruiting in the local area.
The care home will be renamed Deveron House.
Opened in 2013, the home can accommodate up to 60 residents over four wings, although only three are currently utilised.
Ron Taylor, Managing Director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “Parklands has been caring for older people in the north-east for over 30 years and we are delighted to take on the stewardship of this important community asset. This is our first home in Aberdeenshire, but Huntly is very close to our Moray heartland, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the local community.
“I want to pay tribute to the team at AHSCP for their efforts over the past year, in sometimes challenging circumstances. They have worked hard to elevate care standards and I am determined to continue that progress.”
Mr Taylor has already held constructive talks with employees and relatives about the transfer.
He added: “There is a palpable sense of optimism among employees, residents and their loved ones who are looking forward to the future with confidence. After a difficult period for the home, this is the fresh start it needs.”
Parklands plans to re-open a 15-bed wing at the home, carry out an extensive refurbishment and provide enhanced facilities for residents, including a cinema and bar and upgrades to the courtyard garden.
Deveron House will be managed by Ruth Smith who has worked for the Parklands group for over 10 years, most recently at Wakefield House in Cullen, where she was instrumental in driving up care standards.
She said: “I am looking forward to working with the existing team at Deveron House and to welcoming new members to our care team. We have a good foundation on which to build, thanks to the efforts of AHSCP.”
AHSCP Partnership Manager for South Aberdeenshire, Janine Howie, said: “This is a positive step to secure the future of the home for residents and families and we look forward to working with Ruth and the wider Parklands Care Homes team.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and pay tribute to all of the staff who work at the home, or who have supported the home over the last year or so, for their dedication and compassionate care for the residents.”