Strachan House in Blackhall will be opening their doors to the local community for an day of coffee and cakes on Saturday 20th January.
Taking place between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.
Frances Fisher, Operations Manager at Strachan House, says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small. Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care and dementia care from respite care to long term stays.
Sight Scotland, and Sight Scotland Veterans, have slammed a busy Edinburgh junction describing it as hazardous and inaccessible for blind and partially sighted people.
The junction between Telford Road, Hillhouse Road and Strachan Road is one of the busiest in the capital, but the pedestrian crossing facilities are not fit for purpose.
Representatives from both sight loss charities recently met with the city of Edinburgh Council to discuss this junction and were astonished to find out that it had been REMOVED (demoted) from the Council’s list of upgrades.
Caroline Hedley, a Rehabilitation and Mobility Worker with Sight Scotland, explains: “This junction poses a major risk to anybody with visual impairment, and we are extremely worried that it will take a serious accident before any action is taken.
“Due to the complicated layout of the crossings, the poor pedestrian crossing facilities and the heavy fast-moving traffic, it is dangerous and inaccessible to most blind and partially sighted people.
“The pedestrian crossings do not have audible signals or revolving cones, and some are in need of basic repair. Also, there are few protective barriers at this junction which makes me as a sighted person feel very vulnerable, so I can’t imagine how someone with vision impairment would feel. Strachan Road simply has no pedestrian crossing facility at all.
“As part of my job, I help blind and partially sighted people with their mobility, both indoor and out. We help them plan routes when going out, looking at hazards, and trying to ensure they know how to navigate the safest way to go if they have a medial appointment, for example, or just want to go to the shops.
“The biggest priority with a mobility assessment is safety. I have clients living close to this junction and I need to explain to them that the safest way to cross these roads is with sighted assistance, and this is absolutely essential for people who cannot see the red and green man.
“What makes matters worse is that Blackhall Medical Centre is located on the Hillhouse Road side of the junction.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We are calling on the city of Edinburgh Council to upgrade this junction now before a serious accident occurs.
“How this junction has been taken off the upgrades list is beyond me; it is highly dangerous if not impossible for blind and partially sighted people to cross these roads independently.
“Poor crossing facilities like these could mean a person is more likely to stay at home, reducing their opportunity to move around in their home area. When a person’s mobility is impacted in this way, there is a knock-on effect both physically and mentally.”
Local Inverleith Councillor Hal Osler comments: “When designing public spaces we need to think about the safety and accessibility for those most at risk; if we do this, it benefits us all.
“Unfortunately in Edinburgh we have too many junctions and crossings where the safety and accessibility of pedestrians was not considered as a design priority. It’s utterly shameful that this junction was removed from the list of upgrades and as a councillor I am appalled at the lack of thought for our most vulnerable pedestrians.
“If we truly believe in the importance of safe active travel, and that pedestrians are top of the transport hierarchy, this needs to change.”
Sight Scotland, and Sight Scotland Veterans, are asking people to join their campaign to get the city of Edinburgh Council to upgrade the crossing at Strachan Road, Hillhouse Road and Telford Road in Edinburgh.
After almost 27 years of continuous service at Strachan House Care home in Blackhall, much-loved nurse and all-rounder, Isobel Huntly has decided to retire.
Staff and residents at the home sent Isobel off in style with flowers, chocolates, and big hugs, to thank her for many years of dedication. Everyone at the home has very fond memories of Isobel and she will be sadly missed.
During her time at Strachan House, Isobel has worked in a number of roles, exemplifying her adaptability and competency. Not only was Isobel a Unit manager and night nurse with Strachan, but she also worked with Barchester as a General Manager
Isobel said: “Strachan House is like a family to me and though I’m looking forward to retirement, I’m really going to miss everyone here so much!”
Gordon Philp General Manager at Strachan House said: “Isobel is one of those people who was born to care for others – she has such a huge heart and was greatly loved by the individuals living at Strachan House Care Home.
“She was an inspiration to her colleagues and we will all miss her. We wish her all the best!”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, respite/short stay and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Following the temporary closure of Blackhall Library due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), we can now confirm that there will be a mobile library vehicle situated in the car park of Davidson Mains Church.
The service will be available from tomorrow – Monday 25 September – to provide customers with the opportunity to collect reservations, return loans and borrow a limited selection of books, apply for bus passes, collect hearing aid batteries, free period products and buy food waste bags.
The mobile library will be available on the following dates:
Monday 25 September from 2.30 to 7pm Tuesday 26 September from 10.30am to 3pm Wednesday 27 September from 2.30 to 7pm Thursday 28 September from 10.30am to 3pm Friday 29 September from 10.30am to 3pm
Please see www.edinburgh.gov.uk/raacupdates for more information.
Queens Manor care home, in Edinburgh was full of animal mischief when eight week old Labrador puppy Derek came to visit recently.
Residents at Queens Manor were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friend roaming around their garden & the home.
Shannon Cullen Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their visitor today.
“We are such an animal friendly home and we knew that having the Derek in to say hello would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult being away from their own family pets.
“We have found that having animals in the home gives residents something to look forward to, encourages them to engage in activities and sparks conversation which can lead to unlocking memories and emotions.
“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”
Resident Audrey Rankin (above) was very excited by the Derek: “I have always loved dogs & have so much time for them – if I could, I would have Derek live in my room permanently!”
Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides Dementia Care, residential care and respite care.
Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall was one of four Barchester homes who set their stage by hosting their first of many Edinburgh Fringe Cares events on Saturday.
Following on from the success of our Edinburgh Fringe Cares events last year at Barchester’s Queens Manor and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester became the founding sponsor of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.
Eventually, the long term goal would be for all Edinburgh care homes to be part of this amazing initiative, no matter what company, but in the meantime Barchester got to go first, with 4 of their Edinburgh homes taking part!
It’s hoped this year’s events will shape the foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years.
Strachan House immerse their residents and families into a spectacular performance from their nominated Edinburgh Fringe performer’s Octovoce, who took the audience through a magical journey of cappella style song.
The promotional event was one of four that Barchester Healthcare sponsored to showcase how the Edinburgh Fringe should be made accessible to everyone in care homes.
Strachan House was one of the four homes to demonstrate how successful these events can be and how it can benefit residents wellbeing.
Mandy, Head of Activities, said: “This was a fun event to do. Staff and residents loved getting on board by dressing up in character and our chefs prepared a themed menu of goodies for the special occasion.
“The home was transformed into a colourful castle of colour as our residents were taken on a magical afternoon of music. But the biggest success has been to be part of the four Barchester homes to showcase how every home in Edinburgh can do this.
“Along with Queens Manor, Archview and Drummond Grange, who also hosted their Edinburgh Fringe Cares events, we hope that this is something that will continue for years to come for everyone living in a care home.
“Putting this event together and having the residents on board with all their ideas has been amazing and to support them to bring it all together has been an honour.
“Professor Joe Goldblatt who attended the event and created the idea behind Edinburgh Fringe Cares has been truly inspiring.”
General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and staff have been very excited about this event and the team worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure it is was great success.
“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was will certainly be outstanding, and certainly will be remembered for years to come.
“Our aim was to demonstrate to other care providers how this can be achieved and the benefits of delivering it within a care home setting.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Residents and guests at Strachan House care home in Blackhall will be hosting their first of many Edinburgh fringe events on Saturday 26th August at 3pm and are inviting their local community to come along and support what is set to be a magical afternoon.
Following on from the success of a trial of a Fringe Care Festival event last year and the ongoing community links that were built, Barchester Healthcare are now continuing their support by being the founding sponsors of an even bigger event this year and for years to come – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Care Fest.
Strachan House will be opening their doors to Edinburgh festival performers Octovoce, an accapella group who will be taking everybody on a magical afternoon of well-known music.
As well as this, they are encouraging everyone to come along dressed as their favourite character and enjoy a themed buffet prepared by their wonderful chefs, whilst being immersed in a fairy tale sing along event that would be fit for any prince or princess.
Mandy Head of Activities said “Eventually, the long term goal would be for all Edinburgh care homes to be part of this amazing initiative – no matter what company, but in the meantime Barchester get to go first, with the 4 Edinburgh homes taking part!
“Shaping the event foundations for other care providers to follow suit in the coming years…”
General Manager, Gordon Philp said, “Our residents and guests are very excited about this event and the team are working behind the scenes to ensure it is a great success.
“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was will certainly be outstanding!”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Residents and staff at Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh, Archview Care Home and Drummond Grange Care Home in Lasswade put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’ with an inter-home football tournament to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.
Residents and staff from each home came together at the astro pitches in Gorebridge for a fantastic afternoon of footie fun. Each team and their supporters dressed for the occasion as the Strachan House Spartans went into battle coming out the victors on the day.
Mandy Head of Activities said “What amazing fun it was to raise funds and see everyone enjoying themselves.
“Our residents have been looking forward to this for a while. We had so much fun preparing for it and despite the scores it was a win win for everyone on the day”.
Alex Morris smiled: “What a great afternoon of football. The atmosphere was incredible and to walk away with the cup was amazing.
“I can’t wait for it to happen again next year! “
Gordon Philp General Manager at Strachan House said: “We love to fundraise for charities throughout the year, we pick different causes to support that have been selected by staff, residents and friends of the home.
“Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is a great cause that helps many people in need, and is a charity very close to ours hearts. Our staff and residents had a fantastic afternoon, so we feel really proud to have been able to raise this money as well as bring the cup home to Strachan House. Thank you to everyone who donated!”
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by giving grants to help them connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, and respite care for 83 residents.
Strachan House care home in Blackhall were delighted when they received a card from Buckingham Palace yesterday.
Residents at the home had rolled out a spectacular week of royal celebration activities on the run up to the coronation.
One activity saw many residents writing their own letters to the future king and queen sending well wishes and for a long reign.
Mandy, Head of Activities said “we never thought that HRH King Charles lll and Queen Camilla would have took the time to respond, but they did.Our residents were overwhelmed when the royal sealed envelope was delivered!”
Strachan House has built up excellent reputations within its local community. The home regularly holds events and activities for its residents and surrounding neighbours, and the Coronation week saw many local events hosted within the home.
General Manager, Gordon Philp said: “It is important to recognise the hard work of our staff here at Strachan House. Receiving this from the King and Queen today is about as good as it gets!”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
Strachan House in Edinburgh will be opening their doors to the local community for an open door event complete with free refreshments on Saturday 19th August.
Taking place between 10am-4pm guests will be able to enjoy a freshly prepared buffet by the home’s Head Chef whilst taking the opportunity to meet the General Manager Gordon Philp and his fantastic team. Why not allow them to take you on a tour of the home and see everything the home has to offer? In the afternoon visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea and ask any questions they may have.
The Strachan House team will be on hand to answer any queries that they may have. A warm welcome awaits every visitor and a free goodie bag upon leaving will ensure that everyone will have a little something to remember their day with us by.
Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy everything the home has to offer in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
