Independent provider sought for new Manx Care residential home

Manx Care is seeking a third party provider to staff the new facility in Douglas

A new 60-bed care home in Douglas on the Isle of Man is almost complete but there is a question mark on when residents can move in.

The facility is due to be handed over to the Department of Health and Social Care by spring, with Manx Care seeking a third party provider to run it.

Summerhill View on Victoria Road is set to replace the "impractical" Reayrt ny Baie on Albert Terrace.

But Manx Care said residents would not move in until it was fully staffed.

A spokeswoman for the healthcare body said: "Originally it was hoped that the home would be fully staffed by Manx Care, however other options are now being explored to ensure that services in the new facility will be delivered in the most efficient way, balancing value for money and high standards of care."

'Fit for purpose'

It was hoped Reayrt ny Baie residents would be able to move into the new building by the end of this year.

The spokeswoman said staff and residents had been informed discussions would take place "going forward" to make sure people had "an opportunity to discuss their individual circumstances".

Health Minister Lawrie Hooper said since the original business cases were put forward there had been "significant cost increases" including pay awards and inflation.

Reayrt ny Baie is to continue running as normal until all the residents have moved.

Manx Care's David Hamilton said: "We recognise that this may cause some concern and could be an unexpected change for those who live at Reayrt ny Baie.

"However, it is important that our residents have somewhere to live that is fit for purpose and which will be able to fulfil all of their needs - Summerhill View will deliver this."

Summerhill View is a larger facility with four 15-bed units with en-suites for each room.

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