Partnership working in Halton during the Covid19 crisis resulted in a former derelict care home being transformed and opened as a step-down care facility in just four weeks!

In May, Halton Borough Council and local care organisation Catalyst Choices, opened the doors to Lilycross, a 60-bed care home for people recovering from Covid-19 and other major illness. It is part of a Cheshire and Merseyside project to provide additional capacity in the community, freeing up much needed bed space in local hospitals.

The Council commissioned the project at the beginning of April, working in partnership with Catalyst Choices, Eric Wright Health & Care and Capacity, as part of its commitment to supporting the Halton population during the outbreak of Covid-19 coronavirus.

Catalyst Choices recruited 60 people from both the local community and the healthcare sector and welcomed its first patients into Liycross early last month.

The home features spacious en-suite bedrooms, comfortable social areas, and regular activities take place.

Cllr McInerney said: “Lilycross is an extraordinary example of what can be achieved when the public, private and third sectors pull together in a common cause. This facility will free up much needed NHS beds and support the community in Halton and more widely. In just a few weeks this building went from being an empty shell to a superb care facility which will be an invaluable resource for our local community.”