Frindsbury House Lift Project

We have great pleasure in announcing that the long awaited new lift at Frindsbury House, has now been completed and is in full use! This is already making an enormous difference to all who live and work at Frindsbury. The new lift is large enough to take the large Tip and Tilt HD chairs with outstretched legs, plus wide wheelchairs and also a stretcher if required. Residents who are able to operate controls independently, now know which floor they have chosen and when they arrive as this is announced automatically.

The previous lift was not user friendly for the residents, who were still able to access the lift independently. It was also continuously breaking down. This incurred significant costs on a regular basis, so it was absolutely imperative that a new lift design solution was found. This was not an easy task due to the design of the building and also having works going on, during the very busy daily routines of staff, in caring for our residents.

The project involved architects, seeking planning permission, quantity surveyors and securing quotes for the building work to install the lift which included building a new lift shaft. The lift shaft was built by our builders H Goodsell & Son, with special regard to health and safety of the residents and staff working and living at Frindsbury throughout this huge project. The whole project was managed by our CEO Mr Paul Studd.

As the Mortimer Society is a charity, we would not have been able to raise the required funding to pay for the cost of the new lift, without the very significant amounts of money which were secured by our fundraiser Katie, who is employed by The Mortimer Society. She secured awards from a variety of charitable organisations, including The Albert Gubay Foundation, The Bernard Sunley Foundation, The Clothworkers Foundation, The Edward Gosling Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and Hospital Saturday Fund. The grand total of money awarded from these organisations was £282,867 which is an amazing support for us in funding the lift project, for which we are very grateful.

We have asked staff in a variety of roles, to let us know the impact the new lift has made to the lives of people living and working at Frindsbury House.

Diane, who is a Senior Carer said:

"The lift has ensured the process of moving residents from the ground floor to the top floor is a one step process. As now it is possible for any size of chair or stretcher to fit into the lift. This ensures the dignity of our residents at all times of life."

Clare, who is a Carer and also gives medication commented:

"The lift gives residents more respect, if they are upstairs and need to be transferred to hospital. It's also important, when giving medication to residents on different floors of the home."

Dana from the Housekeeping team reported "It is a much quicker lift and cleaning equipment can go up in one go too, so it's much better."

The final comments came from Amanda who is our Home Manager:

"We are totally thrilled with the new lift and the incredible difference it has made to everyone living and working at Frindsbury House."

A big vote of thanks to everyone who has made this challenging project possible.