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PRP To Remodel Care Provision for The Elderly

12.09.2001

The first stage of a bold strategy to overhaul existing residential care provision for older people in Oxfordshire is being prepared for planning by PRP Architects.

PRP has been asked by the Oxfordshire Care Partnership to provide architectural services for the first phase of a comprehensive modernisation and redevelopment of residential care accommodation for the elderly, currently provided in 19 local authority homes located throughout Oxfordshire. The Oxfordshire Care Partnership is a strategic joint venture between the charitable care provider, The Orders of St John Care Trust and Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association, formed specifically to take a transfer of Oxfordshire County Council's existing care home service in November this year.

The aim of the Partnership is the remodelling and re-provision of care facilities for 800 residents, in line with the requirements of the new National Minimum Standards for Care Homes (Care Standards Act 2000). PRP was selected on the basis of the practice's extensive experience of design for the frail elderly. Design proposals submitted as part of the bid exceeded the new requirements in terms of space standards for residents.

The final strategy for the £30 million programme, which will be completed by 2007, has yet to be finalised, but during the first stage three new 60-bed care homes will be built to replace existing facilities. A planning application for the first of these will be submitted in mid-October.