Following the approval of expenditure of ?1.6m by Tynwald at the October sitting, the Department of Health has lost no time in starting to build the new Health and Community Centre at Jurby. At a Breaking the Ground Ceremony at Jurby on 1st November 2010, David Anderson MHK, Minister for Health invited Captain of the Parish of Jurby, John Quayle, to cut the first sod. The main contractor, Dandara Ltd, supported by a number of local contractors and suppliers are due to have the new Centre ready for occupation in around one year’s time. The new building will provide a modern, purpose built two-doctor GP surgery and space and facilities for a wide range of community activities, including those currently provided at Earroo Nane, a converted house at Jurby, through organisations such as Age Concern and Isle of Man Children’s Centre, amongst others. The new building will enable the house at Earroo Nane to be returned to much needed housing stock. The new building will not only relieve pressure on the GP practices in Peel and Ramsey, but provide more local and convenient access to primary health care services. As well as serving Jurby the new surgery will cover Andreas, Ballaugh and Kirk Michael. Currently Kirk Michael has a small Ramsey branch surgery operating two days a week in the Warden's office of a sheltered housing complex. Speaking after the Ceremony, Mr Anderson said, “I am delighted to have the honour of inviting John Quayle as Captain of the Parish to commence work on this important project. This is not only a major investment for Jurby and a sign of our confidence in the Jurby community, but also the culmination of many years of hard work by my Department to bring about this much-needed additional health facility which will serve the North and West of the Island. Additionally, for the first time it will provide a proper base for the many community activities which are currently working from a cramped house, will allow us to return the house to use as a family home and will create space for the future expansion of a number of Government and Third Sector services in the North and West. “I am also delighted to be joined today by the Hon Eddie Teare MHK, my predecessor as Minister, who played such a key role in making this development possible.” - ENDS -