HEREFORDSHIRE Council will be developing a new 80-bed care home in the county due to rising pressure.

Existing care home capacity in the county will begin to feel the squeeze as the number of older and disabled people with complex needs rises, the council said.

It's led to the cabinet agreeing to forge ahead with plans for a new 80-bed home.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of a privately run care home due to flood damage, Herefordshire Council opened the Hillside Care Centre in Hereford in 2020.

The plan is for the new facility to offer a high-quality care environment, maximising the use of advanced technology to support the needs of residents.

Potential sites will now be explored, including consulting with key stakeholders and developing the business plan.

Coun Pauline Crockett, cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that approval has been granted for a new care home facility which will support the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in the county.

“Care homes play a vital role in the community, and this development will provide an opportunity to connect care and support services more effectively.”