AN ambitious £2 million scheme to revolutionise health care for the elderly has been given the go-ahead.

Heathlands Village care home has been granted planning permission for a 32-bed special care unit specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia at its Prestwich base.

Bury Council's planning committee approved the major development on Tuesday. The major task of raising the £2 million for the project will now begin in earnest with a fund-raising committee preparing a series of high-profile charity attractions as Heathlands' celebrates its centenary year.

Heathlands grew from humble beginnings on Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, when it was opened in 1899 to serve the local Jewish population.

It moved to its present Heathlands Drive location in 1972 and in the last five years an extensive programme of building and refurbishment has taken place.

The home has 270 residents and a demand has been recognised for the care of patients with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Mr Boyd Farrar, general manager, said: "A lot of money has to be raised but we have a strong fund-raising committee. I am confident we will raise the required finance of this project which will revolutionise the care of patients."

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