Southport's Alexandra House operated by BEN Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, is pleased to announce the appointment of new Matron, Mrs Jan Habeck, RN.

Mrs Habeck has worked at Alexandra House, Lord Street, for more than 6 years, initially as a specialist palliative care nurse and, for the last 5 years, as Assistant Matron. Jan replaces Sharon Watson who managed the home for 5 years.

Earlier this year, Alexandra House, which has been a quality assured 5* home for five years, was awarded a rating of ‘excellent' (3*) by the Care Quality Commission. It also holds Gold Standards Framework accreditation for palliative care.

A new addition to the home's range of services is four permanently available respite beds for nursing or residential care which can be booked in advance, thus providing valuable support and breaks for family carers.

BEN's Director of Care Services, Jenny Brown, said
"We are delighted to be able to offer this service to Southport families. The pressure and stress of providing care for a dependent relative can be enormous and as the nature of respite care is short-term, we are able to offer this service to all older people in the region, regardless of whether they have a connection to the motor and allied industries. Personalised assessments and care plans will be undertaken and respite residents will have full access to all of Alexandra House's extensive services, including a wide range of therapeutic activities which are designed to suit each individual.

"I would like to wish Sharon Watson the best of luck in her new role and thank her for her very significant contribution to Alexandra House and congratulate Jan on her appointment. I am confident that Alexandra House will continue to set new standards of care under her safe leadership."

For details about respite provision, please contact Jan Habeck on 01704 543715 or e-mail jan.habeck@ben.org.uk