Refurbished facilities for younger disabled adults were officially opened in Ramsey – when the key to one of the revamped flats was formally handed over to resident Danina Parpala.
Thie Quinney residential unit in Fairfield Avenue is owned by the Department of Health and Social Care and run by Leonard Cheshire Disabilities.
It has been upgraded with refurbished apartments, new modern kitchen areas, wet rooms and a café area.
At the opening ceremony, Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle MHK described the facility as a ‘unique asset for the island’.
He said: ‘Without it, adults including those in their late teens and 20s with complex physical disabilities have limited support and housing options outside of older people’s residential care, so it provides a vital facility for the island community.’
Mr Quayle said he was pleased to say that an additional apartment had been created thanks to a legacy of £120,000 provided to Leonard Cheshire Disability.
At its January sitting this year, Tynwald approved spending of £533,000 on the upgrade and refurbishment of Thie Quinney.
The upgrade is part of a broader programme of works being carried out by the department to bring services up to current registration and inspection standards.
Thie Quinney opened 20 years ago, providing eight small independent apartments where residents can live as independently as possible but with the support of Leonard Cheshire Disability staff. Two of the apartments provide respite facilities.
Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer told Tynwald during the debate in January that the unit was ‘dark and dated’ and needed upgrading. Following the refurbishment, the unit has four apartments which are completely independent, with their own front and rear doors, two apartments which offer semi-independence and are accessed from within Thie Quinney, two apartments for respite care; and one apartment for those with special requirements.
The additional flat created thanks to the £120,000 legacy is designed to support adults with various special needs, such as acquired brain injury, as well as bariatric residents, who need extra space and special provisions not available in the other smaller apartments.
Opening the new café area, member for DHSC David Quirk MHK said he hoped the improvements will foster independence and enable people to develop new skills.
He added: ‘The project was delivered on time and within budget.’