'Significant investment or redevelopment' needed at Ramsey District Cottage Hospital

Manx Care is 'planning a sustainable long-term solution'

Efforts are continuing to find a 'sustainable long-term solution' for the future of Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital (RDCH).

Manx Care says the aim remains to 'develop the site into a modern health and care hub'.

In the healthcare body's latest board papers, it was revealed a workshop was held on 19 June 'to look at the future' of the site.

The document states that 'in the short term, services will continue through a phased recovery, using safe parts of the building and mobile units'. 

In the long term, the body says there is 'an opportunity to create a more joined-up model of care, with teams working together to support prevention, long-term conditions, and better access to diagnostics and specialist services'. 

However, it has further reiterated its position that the 'current RDCH site cannot support this level of service without significant investment or redevelopment'.

The site has been plagued with issues since a 'pest control issue' was found in the roof space of Martin Ward in October last year.

'Significant issues' with the building were later discovered - and in May, an independent survey found the hospital needs around £4 million of immediate investment to address critical building and infrastructure issues.

UK-based specialists Bellrock said £4 million is needed now to address issues with roofs, heating, water systems, fire safety, and doors and windows; and a further £2.5 million is then expected to be needed over the next 10 years to replace some key systems such as ventilation, medical gases, electrical wiring and communications infrastructure.

You can read the full condition survey here.

In Manx Care's latest board papers, the body says: "Work is moving from restoring services to planning a sustainable long-term solution. 

"An advisory committee has recently been established to create a forum where DHSC, Manx Care, Public Health, local representatives and relevant stakeholders can support this future planning for health and social care services in Ramsey and the north of the Island, including RDCH. 

"A discussion is due to take place to consider the appropriate solution for the rehabilitation/reablement bedded services to enable that to progress."

Manx Radio has contacted Manx Care for interview on the plans.