“When is enough enough?” That was the question asked in the House of Keys as concerns mount over the condition of Ramsey Cottage Hospital.
A property appraisal by UK-based Bell Rock revealed an immediate backlog of works costing £3.97 million, with high-risk issues including roof repairs and window replacements amounting to £647,000.
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall told MHKs: “There comes a time when you look at all the works that have been listed, and you say, how much, or when is enough enough, and do we look at renewing the whole of the site.”
Dr Alex Allinson asked whether the £647,000 sum could be met through minor revenue-funded projects, noting his department has spent an average of £300,000 annually on the hospital over the past five years.
Costings
Mr Crookall said: “The department is working alongside Department of Health and Social Care and Manx Care on this, and we are looking at the costings and how they are to be funded. These numbers are ramping up very quickly, and we’re very concerned.”
Julie Edge called for a forensic audit, saying: “There’s something very, very wrong, and we need a full audit on what has gone wrong at Ramsey Cottage Hospital.”