A new manager has taken charge of a Dorset care home as it prepares for a £1.2m revamp

A new manager has taken charge of a Dorset care home as it prepares for a £1.2m revamp. Tracey Millar has been promoted from deputy manager at Highcliffe nursing home, in Stuart Road, Highcliffe, and the deputy’s position has been taken by Angela Martin, previously employed at the home as a nurse. Mrs Millar has been appointed ahead of a major building project at the Kingsley Healthcare-run home due to start in the summer. Facilities in the existing home will be upgraded while a new building will provide 16 extra rooms on two floors with en-suite facilities and high class furnishings.

There will also be additional lounges, hairdressing facilities and a new reception area with disabled access as well as offices for managers, administration staff and nurses.   Mrs Millar, who has worked for Kingsley for nearly eight years, said: “I am delighted to be taking charge at such an important time for the home. “The building work is really going to improve quality of life for our residents.” Mrs Millar has played a key role in turning around the home after the Care Quality Commission rated it as inadequate last September. Following a re-visit by inspectors in January, the latest report rates Highcliffe as good for its caring service although it finds that the home’s service overall still requires improvement.  

With regard to its caring service, inspectors note: “Staff had a good knowledge of the people they were supporting. Staff were described as approachable, kind and patient.” Praising the leadership of Mrs Millar, Terry Bailey, Kingsley Healthcare’s development director for the South, said he was confident that they were now on course to achieve their stated objectives of excellent care in a caring environment.  

Click here to find more about Highcliffe care home.