New chapter for Margate Retirement Village
The frail care centre has received a make-over.
It’s the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the residents and management of Margate Retirement Village.
The official opening of the revamped Hibiscus Heights Care facility, combined with a farewell for Matron Marilyn Watson, was held at the village recently.
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Chief Executive Andrew Crooks paid tribute to Ms Watson for her 10 years of service to the village and its residents.
“Marilyn came to us with a glowing CV, and during her tenure as matron, she oversaw many changes at the village, dealing with not only staff, but residents and their families, always with with compassion, empathy, love and care.
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with her, and we wish her well on her retirement,” he said.
Mr Crooks introduced staff members Sister Lorraine Holtzhausen, who will be taking over as matron of the society of Hibiscus Retirement Villages, and Sister Suzette Odendaal, who has been promoted to assistant matron at Hibiscus Frail Care.
At the unveiling of the plaque in honour of the remodelled frail care centre Mike Howes, chairman of the society, noted that “the only constant is change”.
Mr Crooks echoed this sentiment, adding that the frail care facility had undergone many changes since it was first built in 1972.
“The newly revamped centre has 26 beds divided between 18 single rooms and four double rooms. There is also a dementia care facility with 11 single rooms and two double rooms.”
He stressed that the high standards set and maintained in the frail care facilities over the past 40 years were largely due to the dedication and commitment of staff.
“Dealing with people is not always easy and to the folk in frail care, our staff are their family who make it a home from home for them, and for this, I thank them all,” he said.
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