Figbury Lodge Care Home in Poole was delighted to welcome Rt Hon James Murray MP, Secretary of State, for a visit to learn more about the home's role in delivering high-quality, integrated care in Poole, Dorset.
Accompanied by Tom Dunn (Private Secretary), Shadi Brazzel (Special Adviser), Lewis Harding (Digital) and Lindsey Horton (Visits Manager), the Secretary of State spent time meeting colleagues and discussing the successful partnership between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Shaw healthcare.
Discussions focused on Figbury Lodge's model of care, its contract with BCP Council and Shaw healthcare's employee-owned structure, making it the largest employee-owned care provider in the UK. The Secretary of State was particularly impressed by the passion and commitment shown by colleagues throughout the visit.
The tour concluded with a tea party where Mr Murray met residents, a family member and members of the care team. Taking time to speak with each resident individually, he showed genuine interest in their experiences and life at Figbury Lodge.
The visit was the first care home Mr Murray has made in his current role, having previously focused on hospitals. He commented on the important contribution care homes make to the wider health and care system and praised the quality of care and welcoming atmosphere at Figbury Lodge.
During the visit, Special Adviser Shadi Brazzel discussed the Government's 10-Year Health Plan and the importance of stronger integration between care homes, GP practices, dentists and community health services to improve outcomes for local people.
Operations Manager, Kim Harris, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State to Figbury Lodge. We were proud to showcase our dedicated team and demonstrate how partnership working and person-centred care help improve the lives of our residents every day."
Figbury Lodge is a specialist 80-bed nursing and dementia care home, comprising 50 residential care beds, 10 nursing beds and 20 intermediate care beds, providing an important bridge between hospital and home.
Owned by BCP Council and operated by Shaw healthcare, the home delivers high-quality care while supporting the wider community through integrated health and care services.
