A CARE home firm, which operates New Fairholme in Shrewsbury Road in Oswestry, has appointed a new boss.

Debbie Price has taken the reins from David Coull at Coverage Care Services, which operates 12 homes on a not-for-profit basis throughout Shropshire.

She has stepped up to the role from operations director, a position she has held within the organisation for the last six years.

Debbie was selected following an executive search and interview process by the Coverage Care board.

She said: "I am honoured to have been given this responsibility and delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and passionate team of people.

"Coverage Care Services plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of Shropshire people when they need it most.

"The last 18 months has demonstrated like never before the sheer commitment, resilience, skills and compassion of our hard-working team of staff across our homes and I could not be prouder stepping up to this position.

"It is a challenging time to be in the care sector as we recover from the pandemic and operate with limited public resources, but we must continue to deliver the highest quality of care possible, and I will work with all of my colleagues to ensure we remain at the forefront of the care sector here in Shropshire."

Setting out her vision for the organisation over the next five years Debbie said there would be a strong focus on developing new ways of working and reducing the organisation's environmental impact.

David, who officially retired as chief executive officer in 2019 after 15 years, was brought back to lead the organisation on an interim basis in March 2020 at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.

He now steps down although he will continue to hold a non-executive position on the Coverage Care Services board.