Health care firm to create 40 new jobs

Health care firm to create 40 new jobs

21 September 2016

A LOCAL health care firm is creating up to 40 new jobs in the district as part of a major investment initiative.

Trackars Health Care is investing £50,000 as part of an expansion of its operation across South Down and has also opened a new office in Downpatrick. The firm’s headquarters is located outside Crossgar and with other offices in Fintona and Belfast the business currently employs 250 full and part-time staff.

Trackars, which is creating full and part-time posts as part of the expansion, was founded a decade ago by Registered Nurse, Patricia Casement, who is the managing director of the business which provides health care and nursing services to people throughout the Province and works alongside Northern Ireland’s five health trusts. 

The £50,000 investment, which includes a rebranding of the business, is designed to open up opportunities for further employment throughout Down District. Trackars is hoping to create up to 16 part-time and 24 full-time jobs, including care co-ordinator, domiciliary care and nursing roles.

“Trackars has grown its services over the past ten years from an individual providing health care staffing solutions to a team of over 250 employees offering home care and specialised nursing services to both private and public sector clients throughout Northern Ireland,” said Mrs Casement.

“It’s a very exciting time for all of the team at Trackars. This year we are celebrating ten years of providing health care solutions in Northern Ireland and this investment in expanding and rebranding of Trackars will propel us into a new phase of the business.”

Mrs Casement puts the success of the business down to the staff, describing them as Trackars’ best asset, providing a range of services to meet people’s needs.

“Demand for the services we provide is increasing, but there are still many people who are unaware that they can access home care for their loved ones, for example, those who may have some dementia, or have just come from home hospital and have no one to help them wash or cook a meal,” she explained.

“If anyone is concerned about a family member at home all day that is when they should be doing something about it and getting some help in, even if it just for half an hour each day or a couple of hours a week. Looking after people at home stops them falling, getting malnourished and losing weight. They can have their temperature checked and if they are not well their GP can be contacted. All this helps prevent them from going into a nursing home.”

Mrs Casement said the new jobs Trackars plans to create will be based in the Down area, explaining the business has established a reputation for being able to look after people with complex needs in their own home.

“We do a lot of this particular work in the Northern Health Trust and are trusting we can do the same in the South Eastern Trust which is responsible for health care in the Down area. We are able to provide fully qualified staff to help those with special needs to ensure they can remain in their own home and be looked after. People want to be in their home as much as possible and are better off being there.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the local firm’s expansion and the creation of 40 new jobs, explaining there is huge demand for at home nursing care across the constituency. The MP said the majority of those seeking care are now expressing a preference for independent living and support in their own homes.

The MP continued: “I am thrilled that Trackars, a local company and the leading care provider for people who wish to receive care at home, are expanding in South Down and have opened a new office in Downpatrick.

“The firm’s expansion represents a great boost for the local economy. The new investment will also sustain existing jobs in the community care and nursing sector and also make a contribution to older people and families by providing much-needed care.”

Miss Ritchie described the firm’s expansion as “extremely positive” news for the district and wider constituency, with the investment building on the local firm’s expertise.

The MP added: “First and foremost, this investment is about enhancing an excellent caring service in the district and adding to the team led by Mrs Casement. Trackars Health Care has a reputation for excellence in the caring sector and its expansion is great news for the district and South Down constituency.”