Health Minister Affirms Commitment to Cummal Mooar Replacement

The future of Ramsey’s Cummal Mooar residential home remains a priority for the government, according to Health Minister Claire Christian MHK. Despite this commitment, no timeline has been established for the project’s advancement. This update follows a written inquiry from Lawrie Hooper, a member of the Ramsey constituency and former health minister, during a recent Tynwald session.

Plans to replace the existing Cummal Mooar facility were initially intended to move forward over two years ago, but progress has been halted. In March 2024, during Mr. Hooper’s ministerial tenure, the Department of Health and Social Care assured that the redevelopment was on track. However, by January 2023, Minister Christian indicated that advancement had slowed.

In her latest address to Tynwald members, Ms. Christian highlighted that the Department of Health and Social Care has not yet established a date for presenting a financial motion related to the redevelopment. Despite the delays, she emphasized that the initiative remains a priority on the agenda.

Redesigned Model and Ongoing Discussions

The original proposal for the new facility included plans for a 45-bed residential home alongside a day centre. Currently, Ms. Christian noted that the department and Manx Care are examining a revised model that aligns with the government’s ‘Home First’ approach. This strategy aims to enable individuals to live independently for as long as possible. The revised approach may incorporate a combination of extra care housing and more adaptable nursing services.

Talks are actively ongoing with the Treasury, Manx Care, and the Project Management Unit as part of a broader capital review. Minister Christian expressed her intention to provide further updates in the coming months.

Concerns and Criticism from Local Leaders

The ongoing delays have prompted criticism from local officials. Mr. Hooper criticized the situation as “infuriating,” stating that continuous delays and ongoing reviews hinder necessary investment in the facility. He further argued that a direct replacement for Cummal Mooar is essential to meet the growing demand for care services in the area.

Ramsey Town Commissioner Juan McGuinness echoed these concerns, stating that the project has effectively “stalled,” leaving caregivers and families without essential support. He described the current state of the existing facility as “long past its best” and urged the government to provide a definitive commitment and timeline for the redevelopment. Commissioner McGuinness concluded, “Ramsey deserves better.”

As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the residents of Ramsey receive the quality care and support they need while navigating the complexities of the redevelopment process.