Construction work on a new ?1.3 million residential facility for adults with learning disabilities has been completed, with the building handed over to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Minister for Health and Social Care Howard Quayle MHK, and Member for Adult Social Care Services David Quirk MHK, were on hand to receive the keys to the two new purpose built community homes on the Leece Lodge site in Strang.

Tynwald approved the spending at its February 2015 sitting and work commenced on site in April.

Mr Quirk said: “I am delighted to be here today to mark the next phase of the project as we prepare to move residents to this wonderful new facility.

“Delivering high specification accommodation such as this does make a significant difference to the quality of life for residents, whilst also ensuring our support teams are able to deliver care in an environment that has been designed around the complex needs of adults with learning disabilities. Our facilities provide a home to some of the most vulnerable members of our community and therefore it is vital that we invest in modern accommodation.”

Residents will transfer from two units at Radcliffe Villas on Glencrutchery Road in Douglas.

The new building has been specifically designed to accommodate adults with a learning disability and will operate as two community homes for five residents each. The facility will offer a significant improvement in the standard of accommodation for residents, such as bigger bedrooms, en-suites with hoisting and specialist bathing facilities and more accessible communal living areas, including a garden.

The Minister said: “Unlike many of our counterparts in the UK the Isle of Man does not provide hospital based accommodation for adults with learning disabilities. Instead, many of our service users live in small community homes, a policy the Department has pursued for over 25 years to ensure a better quality of life for residents and greater inclusion in society.

“This project is a significant and important investment by Government in a vital facility. It will ensure that we have accommodation that meets modern standards and is fit for purpose, both now and into the future.”

There are approximately 300 people on the Island with a complex learning disability with around 120 accommodated in a variety of community homes. Since 1991 the Isle of Man has worked to develop community based services with a greater mix of residential care, respite care, supported living and day care services.

The Department would like to place on record its thanks to the entire design team and also NK Construction for the delivery of a building that blends suitably into its rural location.

Photo - Minister and Mr Quirk receive keys from NK Construction.