Hampden Hall Care Centre

As a respected 120-bed care facility, Hampden Hall Care Centre in Aylesbury has invested in a specialist bath from the new Gainsborough Pro range to ensure residents have access to safe and inclusive bathing.

Hampden Hall Care Centre, operated by Westgate Healthcare, delivers high quality nursing and palliative care to a range of clients. Residents typically have conditions such as MND, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries or have advanced dementia or terminal cancer. 

The centre has had an outstanding reputation since 2008 and its multi-disciplinary healthcare team offers tailored person-centred care so clients feel fully supported. This exceptional level of support has been recently enhanced by the introduction of an innovative accessible bath from Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms. 

The new Pro 1700, which is part of Gainsborough’s new Pro range, represents a ‘game changing’ proposition in accessible bathing. In addition to a powered bather transfer seat and hi-lo functionality, it includes a range of innovative features for advanced efficiency, hygiene and care. Installed in December 2024, the Pro is already a key feature of the daily routine for many residents who are able to benefit from a relaxing soak for improved mental health and well-being.

Juliana Mensah, Care Home Manager, has been very impressed with the bath since it was installed. She explains: “Our previous bath had broken so Fanel, our Facilities Manager, looked into a cost to get it fixed or replaced. However, either price was too expensive so he decided to look for a different supplier. Fanel found Gainsborough and after the site survey and quotation in November, he felt they were a better fit for us; plus, their price was competitive for the advanced bath we wanted. Since commissioning, the bath has performed really well.”

In terms of the residents, it has made a big impact, as Juliana continues: “ The residents are really enjoying their bathing experience. They find it comfortable and relaxing and also, they don’t have to be moved between floors to access a bath. This was also taking a lot of time for our staff to complete, whereas now it is a lot quicker. Moving and handling into and out of the bath is also so much easier as carers are not bending or lifting, as our previous bath didn’t have a transfer seat. So, it’s just easier for everyone.”

Jo Massey is a Registered Nurse and the Unit Manager for the floor which now offers this new bath. She adds: “I’ve worked in healthcare for 32 years and would say this bath is a real ‘Godsend’ for our residents. It is very good for them to relax and spend time with carers on a one-to-one basis. One of our residents had a grade four pressure sore when they came to stay with us. With regular bathing and appropriate care we have been able to heal this issue for him which, as you can imagine, is a great relief for him and our care team.” 

“In terms of day-to-day operation, it’s really simple and straightforward to use. Previously we had a bath with just a flat transfer platform that went up and down, whereas now we have the benefit of a bather seat. It gives a sense of security for residents and everything lifts and lowers at just the right pace; they don’t want anything too quick or with abrupt movements. Once they’re in, they can enjoy a warm bubble bath and all residents who have used the bath so far have said how lovely it is. They have felt refreshed and it has soothed their skin when compared to a strip wash or shower. Overall, it’s a lovely experience for them.” 

Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms are delighted to receive this outstanding feedback regarding their assistive solution. In conclusion, CEO Peter Eckhardt summarises: “Our new Pro range of baths are part of the latest innovative proposition from Gainsborough. They have been cost optimised whilst maintaining excellence in design and performance, so care homes such as Hampden Hall can invest in baths that deliver on multiple levels. From sustainability and long term value through to higher care and safer moving and handling, our Pro baths are a proven, considered choice. We fully commend Westgate Healthcare on its service provision and how it has embraced our market leading bathing solutions to strengthen its duty of care.”