Isle of Man Guide

During the last two years the Department of Health and Social Security has been trying to identify an alternative to Gardner House in Ramsey. Gardner House provides care and support to older people with mental health problems and is operated by Social Services Division. Whilst work is continuing a conclusion is still some way off. Following an external independent expert’s advice and comments recently made in a Coroner’s Court about the current environment being “not fit for purpose” for vulnerable people with mental health problems, the Department must pursue swiftly a better place from which to provide this service. As an interim measure the Department is exploring the possibility of transferring the patients and staff to a new purpose built unit at Farmhill in Douglas, which has been recently completed and was built for the purpose of caring for older mentally infirm people, rather than the adapted hospital ward which is currently used at Ramsey.

Managers are consulting with families of residents and our staff on the practicalities of such a move. Minister for the DHSS, Eddie Teare MHK said:

" Work will continue to try and identify how a suitable facility can be permanently provided in the North of the Island within the resources available to the DHSS, but in the meantime we must explore the option of an interim measure in the interests of the people in our care”.

Andrew Swithinbank, Director of Social Services, said:

“Our primary concern is the welfare and quality of life of the people we serve. Modern best practice provides people with long term care needs in a facility which, as far as possible, resembles home life. Because of our planning ahead for increased need in the future we now have an excellent opportunity to move residents to a place more conducive to providing them with good care and support. We are talking with residents, relatives and staff about any concerns they have about us taking up this opportunity to continuously improve our services”.

More stories >>>