We’re proud to announce the official opening of Laurel Place, our newest care home in Bishop Auckland. Laurel Place is our first home in the town and our fourth in the North-East.
Laurel Place opened its doors in February 2025 and is already supporting seven adults. The home provides nursing care for adults with living with complex needs arising from dementia, mental health conditions neurological conditions, and physical disabilities
Official opening by Dr Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland
We invited Dr Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, to officially opened Laurel Place.
Dr Rushworth toured the home, met our colleagues and residents, and enjoyed a special Elvis Presley performance from one of our residents.
To mark the occasion, Dr Rushworth unveiled a plaque and cut a ceremonial ribbon.
He spoke about the importance of specialist care in Bishop Auckland:
“Laurel Place represents Exemplar Health Care’s commitment to caring for our community, and ensuring that residents are given the care and support that they need. I welcome this important investment into Bishop Auckland.”
A day of celebration
The official opening of Laurel Place was a celebration of collaboration, expertise and community spirit.
The event brought together our Executive Team, architects, building contractors and the Laurel Place care team.
We celebrated the teamwork that made Laurel Place possible. Guests enjoyed a toast with sparkling drinks and a feast served from a street food van.
From the plaque unveiling to the joyful Elvis serenade, the event captured the warmth and personality that define our homes.
Designed for specialist care
We built our newest home to meet the growing need for high-quality specialist care in County Durham.
Laurel Place was created with adults with complex health and behavioural needs in mind.
The home has 30 fully furnished bedrooms with en-suite wet rooms, providing privacy and comfort for every resident.
Each unit has a communal lounge, dining area and quiet room, as well as landscaped gardens for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Every aspect of the home supports independence, dignity and high-quality care.
Looking to the future
We’re excited about what Laurel Place means for Bishop Auckland and beyond.
This home is an important part of our mission to provide exceptional care and to work closely with healthcare professionals across the North East.
Samantha Sim, Regional Director of Operations at Exemplar Health Care, said:
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of our state-of-the-art care home in Bishop Auckland. This new service reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional care and meeting the growing demand for complex care in County Durham.
“Our team is excited to collaborate with local commissioners, social workers and families to make a real difference for people who need long-term nursing care and support in their local community.”
Luke Skelton, Home Manager at Laurel Place care home, shared his thoughts:
“I’m passionate about creating an inclusive, empowering environment where individuals can thrive. We want Laurel Place to feel like home, a place where people can be themselves, enjoy their independence, and live life to the fullest.
“We’re building a warm and welcoming community for residents and their families, and we’re still looking for like-minded people who share our values and want to help make every day better for the people we support.”
Supporting healthcare partners and the community
For healthcare professionals, Laurel Place offers a local alternative to out-of-area placements, ensuring continuity of care and helping people stay close to their families and communities.
Our multi-disciplinary team works with NHS partners, discharge teams and social workers to ensure that every individual receives the right care, from the right team, at the right time.
Laurel Place brings together a skilled team, modern facilities and a person-centred approach to deliver the highest standards of care.
We’re here to support healthcare professionals looking for safe, specialist placements in Bishop Auckland and the wider region.
If you’d like to learn more about our services or discuss referrals, we’d love to hear from you.
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