Abergarw Manor step down facility closes

A step-down facility which opened in a former care home in Brynmenyn to support the safe care of older adults during the coronavirus pandemic has now closed with the last patient leaving on August 26.

Abergarw Manor which is owned by the Caron Group was refurbished to provide a number of additional beds to support the Princess of Wales Hospital during the peak of the pandemic.

The facility was run as a partnership between Bridgend County Borough Council, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and third sector services such as Age Connect.  It benefitted from community support and received a significant number of donations when it opened.

Ana Llewellyn, nurse director of Bridgend integrated locality, said: “We were able to hold a small gathering on Tuesday, August 25 to show our appreciation to all of the people who made the facility such a huge success.

“It is testament to the staff that there was no Covid-19 outbreak during the time it was open. People have received dignified and safe care there and families have given very positive feedback. 

“Thank you to everyone who stepped outside of their usual roles and committed to working together to protect and look after vulnerable people.”

We are very grateful to Caron Group for having provided the building free of charge to the local authority and for its property team who helped with the refurbishment.

In the midst of very difficult circumstances, everyone really pulled together to open and run this much-needed facility. I would like to thank all those involved who made it such a success.

The council’s cabinet member for social services Phil White

Caron Group's managing director Sanjiv Joshi said: “We salute the teams that provided care and safety for the most vulnerable in what was an unprecedented time - they are true heroes. It was an honour for us to contribute to this community effort.”