After two frantic weeks of meetings with the Care Home Working Group, Director of Health, Health Minister, Chief Minister, Treasury Minister – culminating in a very successful and positive public meeting on Monday – a breakthrough in Tynwald yesterday. A backbench motion was amended by the Health Minister and has put in place a requirement for at least 6 months’ notice of closure whilst all options are explored with the Trustees and Directors to keep the home operational, including refurbishment that we were adamant should remain an option, as well as looking forward in a strategic sense at provision of residential care in the west. This is excellent news and real progress for the residents, staff and western community but this is no time to rest on our laurels, it is the beginning, not the end. The Trustees and Directors have also made the accounts more transparent, which will assist the process and I thank them for that. We are all on the same side.
