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Garden Wing Opened at Harwood House
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(15 April 2011)
left to right Elinor Fitch, Morag Forsyth Matron Harwood House, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Michael Fitch Director of Harwood House
Rt Hon Theresa May MP Home Secretary and Minister for Women officially opened today (15 April 2011) the new £2.5 million Garden Wing at Harwood House, the leading family-owned care home in Cookham Dean.
Theresa
presented a plaque to Michael Fitch, Director and owner of Harwood House,
and she also planted a tree in memory of William Fitch, former Director of
Harwood House, and father of Michael Fitch, and wife of Elinor, who was
present at the opening.
Speaking
at the opening to residents and invited guests, Theresa said ” I am
delighted to be back at Harwood House as I cut the first sod of earth in
2008 at the start of this £2.5 million project. It was difficult to
envisage the new wing then and I congratulate you on this imaginative
earth sheltered extension making maximum use of the sloping site and
greatly enhancing the existing facilities. I have always been impressed by
the high standard of care here and the very high levels of respect,
dignity and care shown by the staff. ”
The
recently completed extension and refurbishment project was designed by
Martin Lloyd. The earth sheltered underground construction is an
innovative and environmentally friendly solution for a steep sloping site.
The low profile extension has created two substantial new and useable
garden terrace areas, and it hasn’t detracted from the beauty of the
original house. The
refurbishment project included enlarging existing bedrooms, creating
additional seating areas and en suite facilities in all rooms and
generally creating a home for residents where each room has a luxurious
but homely feel. The project is part of Harwood House’s Grand Design to
set new standards of excellence in the care and respect of residents in
care homes.
Michael
Fitch said ”Today has mixed emotions for me. This is a place my father
and I put our hearts and soul into for over 10 years, we dreamed together,
we planned together and worked hard together to create a place which would
set new standards of care for the elderly and those suffering from
illness. We wanted it to be a place that people would call “home” and
a place where people would know that they would be cared for with the
highest standards of care. Regrettably my father, William, passed away
last February before he could see the completion of this part of our Grand
Design. The new wing has been much admired by all who come to visit us and
it has gained national professional recognition as it was a Finalist In
the national Pinders Healthcare Design Awards 2011. But I am most proud of
all the staff for raising the
bar and setting a new standard in honour and respect. A beautifully
designed building would be nothing without that honour and respect.”
Harwood
House is located in Cookham Dean at the highest spot in east Berkshire
with beautiful views across the Thames Valley.
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