DHSC seeks ?8m for nursing home
The Department of Health and Social Care says purchasing a fully-fitted nursing home in Douglas will improve elderly care provision in the Island.
All nursing home care is currently privately operated, with residents facing bills of up to £950 per week.
As a result, almost 40 elderly people occupied beds in Noble's Hospital last year, unable to move to a nursing home.
Next week, the DHSC will seek Tynwald approval to buy an off-the-shelf, new-build, 68-bed facility on Salisbury Street for £8.1 million - with the aim of tendering out its management.
Minister Howard Quayle says the move would ease 'gridlock' in the system, with two-thirds of beds funded by the maximum social security benenfit, the remainder offered as private placements.
Mr Quayle explains how the deal has come about:
