The new 60-bed residential care home and day centre on Victoria Road is nearing completion.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Manx Care expect the handover of Summerhill View to be completed in spring of this year.

Tynwald approved £11.7 million for the project in 2020 to replace Reayrt ny Baie, based on Albert Terrace in Douglas, which Manx Care say is now dated and impractical for staff and residents.

Meanwhile a statement from the health care provider says that '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'. 

It says that Summerhill View requires many more staff than Reayrt ny Baie, with four 15-bed units, and en-suites for each resident.

It continued: 'Manx Care is therefore investigating the feasibility of commissioning an independent provider to staff and operate the home on behalf of Manx Care.'

It is expected that the process of commissioning a third party provider could take up to 12 months.

The taxpayer funded health care provider said that 'the goal is to explore the opening of two of the four units in this new state-of-the-art building to accommodate some of the residents from Reayrt ny Baie by the end of 2024.'

'Staff and residents/relatives of those at Reayrt ny Baie have been informed of these proposals, and individual discussions will take place going forward to ensure each staff member and resident has an opportunity to discuss their individual circumstances so we can help to find them the most appropriate placement and job in the future.'

David Hamilton, interim executive director of social care and integrated mental health, said: ‘We recognise that this may cause some concern, and could be an unexpected change for those who live at Reayrt ny Baie, as well as their families.

'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.’

There remains no firm date as to when Summerhill View will be open. Manx Care say once it is handed over it needs to undertake work to complete the fit out of the facility, staff will need to undertake operational training, and detailed plans will need to be in place to ensure the safe move of residents currently living in Reayrt ny Baie.