Local Kirkby celebrity, former World Boxing Champion, John Conteh returned to his home town on the 7th February to officially open Meridian Healthcare’s Kirkby House Care Centre.

John Conteh was delighted to return, ‘Kirkby is full of many wonderful memories for me and I am proud to open such a lovely facility. Meridian have created a light and open environment and you immediately feel a homely atmosphere when you enter Kirkby House.’ He later joked ‘Put my name down for a room in the distant future!’ Amongst those attending the opening were some of John’s old school pals and his ex- neighbours of 20 years.

Kirkby House Care Centre Manager, Madeleine Ward is happy to have the home back to normal and is thrilled with the final look created: ‘The standard of the refurbishment work is excellent, the centre looks wonderful, I would like to say a big thank you to all the residents at Kirkby House for their patience while the work was being carried out, I think I can speak for all of them when I say it was well worth the wait.’

The completion of the major refurbishment work at Kirkby House has increased the number of bedrooms to include 10 new bedrooms and en-suite facilities being added to many of the existing bedrooms. The care centre has also received a new roof and extensive internal refurbishment to all communal areas and bedrooms. As a result of the additional work, Kirkby House is now able to offer EMI facilities for up to 40 residents.

Meridian Healthcare’s Managing Director, Alan Firth commented, “We are very pleased with the refurbishment work that has been carried out, Kirkby House is now a superb example of how a high quality care centre should look in the 21st century.” He adds: “I would like to say a big thank you to all the contractors who have worked hard to give Kirkby House this new look and especially to Care Centre Manager Madeleine Ward who has ensured the smooth running of Kirkby House throughout the refurbishment period.”

Ends.
• Photograph shows John Conteh admiring Kirkby House’s plaque

Notes:
• Meridian Healthcare own 25 Care Centres throughout the North of England.

• Kirkby House is one of five Meridian Healthcare care centres on Merseyside. Others include: John Joseph Powell and Fazakerley House in Prescot, Roby House in Huyton.

For further information please contact: Tessa Matthews, Meridian Healthcare, 0161 368 9099 tmatthews@meridiancare.co.uk