Marula Lodge is the latest complex care home to be opened by care group Cornerstone Healthcare.

In his speech, Prof Green commended the group for their “exceptional care” and their resilience in opening the home in the middle of the COVID pandemic. Prof Green said, “You should be very proud of what you have achieved here. It has been a hard 18 months for the care sector but as a team you have pulled together and thrived. “

Cornerstone Healthcare is the only operator in the southeast of England whose main focus is specialist nursing care for people with complex challenging behaviours as a result of neurological or mental health needs.

Prof Green added “I am so pleased to be here to officially open this wonderful and much needed facility”.

To mark the occasion, mosaic artist Melanie Watts created a butterfly and rainbow mosaic, which pays tribute to the dedication of care staff and signifies hope for the future.

Cornerstone Healthcare Group CEO, Johann van Zyl added “I am incredibly proud of my team. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that this home provides the best possible environment and care for our extremely vulnerable residents.”

Two further homes – in Bristol and Somerset – are in the developmental phase and will be in operation from 2022 onwards. This will take the company’s bed capacity to 355.