PRESS RELEASE 13th May 2008 - PARTNERSHIP DEAL WILL AID CITY’S ELDERLY AND DISABLED

A unique facility in elderly and young care provisions in Aberdeen was official opened today (Tuesday) by David Cameron, Chairman of NHS Grampian, highlighting a working partnership between private and public care providers.

Tor-na-Dee Care Centre, a £3.7 million purpose built home operated by Ashbourne Senior Living, has been built on the site of the old Tor-na-Dee Hospital. Local members of the community were asked to join a steering group including Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian and a committee was formed a number of years ago to decide how the area should be used when the hospital came down.

The centre provides care for 74 frail elderly and dementia service users with all single rooms and en-suite shower facilities. Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian have worked with Ashbourne Senior Living on this project to secure a contract for 37 beds, these service users are now living at the centre.

A separate 16 bed unit also exists offering dedicated care for acquired brain injury patients. This state-of-the art facility offers care for 16 - 65 year old physically disabled people. The building, nearing completion, will be a unique rehabilitation centre for the community of Aberdeen with the ultimate aim of getting patients fit and well to go home.

The rehab unit contains two flats for patients to practice in before they go home. Ashbourne Senior Living staff work alongside NHS staff including occupational therapists and physiotherapists, as well as Camphill Medical Practice, to offer a high level of care and alternative forms of therapy treatment.

Bill Colvin, Chief Executive of Southern Cross Healthcare, Elizabeth Roscoe, Operations Director Northern Scotland and Sandra Ross, Operations Manager were present to welcome David Cameron at Tor-na-Dee Care Centre.

Speaking at the official opening, Bill Colvin, Chief Executive said: "Tor-na-Dee Care Centre is a very welcome addition to our existing portfolio of 12 care centres in Aberdeen. The centre’s unique acute brain injury unit is a leading care provision for the Aberdeen area. We are delighted to be working in partnership with NHS Grampian and are committed to providing a highest quality care for the benefit of service users in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas."

David Cameron, Chairman of NHS Grampian said: "It gives me great pleasure to officially open Tor-na-Dee Care Centre. This is a first class facility and the services offered will be welcomed by many people in Aberdeen. It is especially pleasing that this former hospital site has been retained for health related purposes in a way which is sympathetic to the wishes of the local community."

For further information please contact Tom Cassidy or Lorna Inglis at Media House on 0141 220 6040 or Tom Cassidy mob: 07771 855 028 / Lorna Inglis mob: 07813 193 618

NOTES TO EDITORS - About Southern Cross

Southern Cross is the largest provider of care homes and long term care beds in the United Kingdom with a total of 734 care homes and 37,596 available beds. Throughout Scotland Southern Cross owns 88 care homes, offering 5,123 beds.

41,000 people are employed through the company’s three brands – Southern Cross Healthcare, Ashbourne Senior Living and Active Care Partnerships.

Both Southern Cross Healthcare and Ashbourne Senior Living provide care homes for the elderly. Active Care Partnerships provide specialist care for people with a number of different conditions in a variety of settings.

For further information on Southern Cross and its portfolio of care homes please visit www.schealthcare.co.uk