New Barchester home Hurstwood View opens its doors

A new East Sussex care home has opened this month with the help of local hero Barry West, known as a practising local artist and thrillseeker, who is currently planning an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro despite being paralysed from the chest down in a car accident aged 19.

The 55-bed Hurstwood View care home, located in Five Ash Down, is the latest facility from the portfolio of Barchester Healthcare, who are currently the UK’s forth largest care home provider, operating in more than 200 facilities.

Barchester’s latest care home will provide residential care for older people, a wide range of nursing expertise and will also specialise in looking after adults diagnosed with dementia.

Barry was joined by Barchester founder and chief executive Mike Parsons, who commented: “I was delighted that Barry opened the home and has agreed to display his paintings for residents and visitors to enjoy. We will definitely support him when he makes a chin-controlled ascent of Kilimanjaro.

“At Hurstwood View we will now focus on growing our community with residents and staff to make this house a real home.”

After cutting the tape Barry said: “It is wonderful to be asked to open Hurstwood View. Today has been about the inspirational work Barchester does, and, as we toured the home, the Mayor and I were struck by the quality environments that have been created for those people with different care needs.”

Residents at Hurstwood View will be able to enjoy paintings by Barry and other local artists on display, while a performing harpist and brass band also attended the home’s opening.