A Taunton nursing home is set for a bright and busy future following its recent acquisition by Dr Oliver Sargent.
 
Situated near Taunton racecourse, Orchard Portman Nursing Home was bought from its previous owners on May 1, 2010 and is currently home to 38 residents. The building is a former school and is set in nine acres of land, including a cricket pitch and orchard.
 
Dr Sargent is an experienced nursing home proprietor. He plans to invest in a significant refurbishment programme of the existing facilities and build a new, state of the art extension. The nursing home will retain its name and Dr Sargent has introduced a new, highly experienced senior team to assist the management.
 
As Chief Executive of Orchard Portman, Dr Sargent said: “I am very much looking forward to working with the staff and meeting the residents properly. I have made many visits to the home in recent months and have always been impressed by the friendliness there.
 
“I strongly believe that nursing homes should be places of activity and entertainment, not solely for the provision of nursing care. Orchard Portman has all the elements of a fantastic nursing home with caring staff, a lovely building and beautiful surroundings.
 
“Our extension plans include a long stay hospital for people who need a higher degree of care than in the nursing home itself.”

Orchard Portman was advised throughout the nine-month acquisition process by Francis Clark LLP, accountants and tax advisers. Francis Clark undertook financial due diligence and advised the company on tax matters.
 
Gavin Davey, Corporate Finance Director at Francis Clark’s Taunton office, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Dr Sargent and his team. Their investment in the Orchard Portman nursing home is designed to significantly enhance its services and should provide valuable new facilities for local people who need long term nursing care.”