A nursing and dementia service that "requires improvement" has been handed a long-term contract after a decision by councillors.
Heathlands Care Centre in Cross Fell, Wildridings, now has a secure future that could run for up to 20 years.
A 2025 CQC report flagged a lack of management support at Heathlands and said a number of key actions it asked for had not been met.
An opposition leader said a recent change of management has put Heathlands on a stronger footing. He said: "Since then, it has improved immensely. The problem has been dealt with."
An October 2025 CQC report also emphasised the service had received strong support from the local authority and healthcare partners to improve people's quality of life and safety.
On 28 April, Bracknell Forest's Cabinet approved a strategic plan for a "Nursing and Dementia Nursing Service and Hotel Service at Heathlands" - a major commissioning decision for local dementia care.
The initial contract will start in April 2027 for five years, with the council able to extend it by up to three further five-year periods, taking the potential life to 20 years. Grainne Siggins, the executive director of people, and Paul Bidwell, the cabinet member for adults, economy and regeneration, were authorised to sign off the decision.
The current Heathlands sits on the site of the former Heathlands Residential Home, which closed in February 2016. The purpose-built replacement opened in 2021 and provides care for mild, moderate and advanced or complex dementia for up to 46 residents.
Alongside the council-commissioned home is Heathlands Intermediate Care, a separate NHS-run, CQC-registered service under Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, registered in June 2022 as the wider Heathlands hub came online.
Members noted that earlier recommendations from December 2025 to award an interim contract are now off the table because of a "material change in circumstances". Officers were told to press ahead with a full, open procurement under the Procurement Act 2023 while keeping contingency plans so residents and families aren't left exposed if a provider cannot fulfil a contract.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
