Member Article

Care provider opens specialist Prader-Willi services near Wakefield

Care provider Heathcotes Group has opened a specialist residential service in Flanshaw, near Wakefield, which supports adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Located off Flanshaw Lane, the new service provides eight en-suite bedrooms and 24-hour support from 16 full-time care staff. Heathcotes is expecting to see referrals from all over the UK due to a current lack of specialist provision and high demand for supporting individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome in a tailored environment. This rare genetic condition causes a range of difficulties including restricted growth, leading to short stature and reduced muscle tone, as well as a constant desire to eat food which appears to be driven by a permanent feeling of hunger and can result in dangerous weight gain.

Comprising 2335 sq ft over two floors, the new Flanshaw facility was designed by Heathcotes’ in-house architectural consultancy, JDS Design, and built by contractors John Ryan Developments Ltd. The accommodation includes a large communal lounge, kitchen diner, shared bathroom along with en suite bedrooms and large garden area. The building has Wi-Fi throughout to enable service users to stay in touch with family and friends, access e- learning and use the internet.

Services Manager, Kath Padden, said:

“Individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome need an environment where food is monitored and controlled but where choice is promoted as freely as possible. Our new Flanshaw service provides a structured menu which is designed and reviewed by nutritionists. Portion sizes are tailored to each individual’s weight. Meals and drinks have set times so each service user knows when to expect food and drink and we provide an extensive range of activities to ensure that service users remain active.”

Heathcotes Managing Director, Brendan Kelly, said:

“Heathcotes have a wealth of expertise in the field of Prader-Willi. Flanshaw is our second specialist Prader-Willi services to open in Yorkshire – in 2011 we opened Heathcotes Bridlington which has been very successful in providing positive outcomes for our service users. Both facilities benefit from specialist input from our own Clinical Psychologist who provides assistance with psychological assessments and interventions. Heathcotes are launching new services nationwide to support more people and help them to further their independence and achieve their goals.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Jones .