ASC strengthens specialist services as it recruits top names in healthcare

ASC, the specialist healthcare arm of Balhousie Care Group, is strengthening its services with the recruitment of four top names in the health sector.

By expanding its senior team, ASC aims to plug a gap in services U.K.-wide for people with learning disability, mental health and Huntington’s Disease. All four of the new recruits join from NHS Tayside.

Robert Bain has been appointed Operations Manager for ASC, the only residential facility of its kind in Scotland, which provides specialist care in dedicated units based in Balbeggie, Perthshire. With 28 years’ experience mostly in the NHS, Robert is a national expert in complex care. A graduate of Glasgow College of Nursing and visiting lecturer at both the University of Leeds and the University of Greenwich, he was formerly Head of Nursing in Learning Disabilities for NHS Tayside.

Leanne Williamson is ASC’s new general manager. A three-time graduate of the University of Dundee and holder of a Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, she previously developed specialist services for adults with complex mental health needs for NHS Tayside. Leanne is the only care home manager to be taking part in the Scottish Improvement Leader (ScIL) programme which develops individuals who are in key roles to be able to design, develop and lead improvement initiatives across Scotland’s public services.

Dr Fabian Haut joins ASC as an Advisor. Recently retired from the NHS, where he was a consultant for 20 years, Fabian is a medical practitioner for the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and is a medical member of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland. A published author of book chapters and academic papers, Fabian has an interest in the assessment and care for people with autistic spectrum disorder and dual diagnosis.

The new deputy manager at ASC is Russell Low. A graduate of the University of Dundee and Abertay University, Russell is a registered mental health nurse with experience in learning disabilities. He has worked for Sense Scotland and NHS Tayside.

ASC is the only residential facility of its kind in Scotland providing a secure, private home for people with behavioural needs in a community orientated, non-clinical environment.

Robert said: “These are exciting times at ASC. We’ll be providing services that aren’t out there at the moment and filling huge gaps in service provision in Scotland. For example, it is widely reported that people in Scotland are having to resort to using a facility hundreds of miles away from their family, travelling south of the border for treatment.”

Jill Kerr, group CEO of Balhousie Care Group, said: “We’re thrilled to have such top names at the helm of ASC, which already does excellent work in the area of specialist healthcare. Our aim is that ASC continues to be a leader in its field and becomes the go-to in the specialist care sector. We know that Robert and his team are the ones to make that happen.”

To find out more about ASC visit www.asc-living.co.uk For more on Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk

For further information contact Gillian Drummond on gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk Tel: 01738 254254 x 223 or 07365 284994

About ASC The only residential facility of its kind in Scotland, ASC provides specialist care for individuals from across the UK in three dedicated units in Balbeggie, Perthshire, as well as a facility in Coupar Angus, Perthshire. ASC’s staff adopts the principles of ‘active support’ to help residents achieve their personal goals.

About Balhousie Care Group Balhousie Care Group was formed 27 years ago to fill a gap in quality residential care in North East Scotland. Today, with 25 homes in the area, it is one of the leading providers of care for the elderly in Scotland, providing care to over 900 residents.

Balhousie Care prides itself on its person-centred approach to care. Putting people right at the forefront of everything they do; it’s inclusive of everyone. They capture this philosophy through the roll-out of ‘Together We’re Great’, an initiative which recognises the skills, talents, attributes and support areas for each and every person involved in the organisation. Together We’re Great aims to value individuality and promote excellence across the organisation.

A Participation Charter - a first-of-its-kind in the care home sector - commits to residents getting a bigger say than ever in the care they receive, from writing care home policies to recruiting staff.

Balhousie Care Group is the recipient of numerous awards. These include Service Business of the Year at The Courier Business Awards a National Care Award 2018 and RCNi 2018 Leadership Award for Yvonne Manson, Operations Dementia Manager, and Business Man of the Year for Chairman Tony Banks in the Scottish SME Business Awards.

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