Southern Group Practice will be unable to provide medical cover for residents at the proposed care home at Spaldrick in Port Erin.

The practice issued the warning in a letter to Annmarie Cubbon, head of primary care commissioned services at the Department of Health and Social Care, after planning approval for the 72-bedroom care home was granted at appeal.

Port Erin Commissioners and 28 individuals, couples and families objected to the plan.

Planners originally turned down the bid saying it was over-development of the site and would adversely affect neighbouring houses .

But the application was approved at appeal. Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot delegated responsibility to Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer to determine the appeal.

Mr Harmer followed the planning inspector’s recommendation that the appeal be allowed and the department’s original refusal be reversed.

The practice said in its letter it ’does not, and will not, have the capacity to provide medical cover for this home. This is on the grounds of medical safety due to excessive workload.

’We already provide cover to (a recently enlarged) Southlands/ EMI unit and a large number of sheltered accommodations with a substantial demand for medical services.

’This is set on a background ageing population spread of which almost 30% of our patients are currently aged 65 or older.

’We have seen a year on year growth in our list size which has increased in the last 12 months by almost 2% due mainly to significant housing developments within the area.

’Unlike you I am not sure everyone appreciates the amount of time and care required on average for people as they get older.

’For our practice to even attempt to absorb this level of increase at this time would also have a detrimental effect on the service we currently offer to our existing patients.

’Should another option not be in place prior to the opening of the new home then our practice may have to consider other options such as closing our list to ensure consistency of the care we provide with our community.’

The department said Annmarie Cubbon in commissioned services is writing back to Southern Group Practice, engaging with the concerns raised.

’The department completely understands the current pressures within general practice, including the workload for GPs in relation to patients in care homes,’ a spokesman said.

’It will be looking at this during the contract negotiations for 2019-20.

’In the meantime, the department will work with the practice towards a solution which ensures the health needs of all patients in the south of the island are met - and to that end, has offered to discuss the issue with both the practice and the operator of the proposed new care home.’