Rushen Commissioners say they’re very concerned to learn the proposed Elderly Mentally Infirm Unit at Farmhill will not be built in the near future.

The DHSS has put the scheme on the backburner due to a lack of funds to run the facility and commissioners say this decision has consequences for residents in the south of the Island.

The new Southlands facility, opened in June 2003, was intended for use by the elderly in the south for residential and respite care and for the elderly mentally infirm.

However, two of the units are occupied by EMI residents from other parts of the Island until the Farmhill facility is built.

The commissioners are urging the Health Minister Eddie Teare (pictured) to find a solution to the matter and allow Southlands to be used for its original purpose.