Abbotswood nursing home in Ballasalla, where 22 residents died of Covid-19 last year, will not be reopening under that name. Although the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is unable to confirm a timeframe for the home’s reopening, it could confirm that it will be refurbished and set up to house residents again - but it will operate as Silverdale Care Ltd.

The owners are the same as those behind Abbottswood, but it is believed that some of the directors have stepped down since the events of last year.

They registered the Silverdale name with the DHSC in October.

Before the home reopens it will need to meet the requirements of the government’s Registrations and Inspections Unit, described by a government spokesperson as a ’substantial process’ which will begin when the home is ready to request an inspection.

A criminal investigation was launched into the deaths last June, but manslaughter charges were dropped in April.

However, inveystigations into other health and safety offences are thought to be ongoing.

The home had its licence suspended last April after almost 40 residents tested positive for Covid.

The DHSC then had to step in to manage the home during the crisis which occurred during the first lockdown, for the safety of residents.

The surviving residents were later moved out after the DHSC rejected the owner’s offer of a lease of £29,000 a month, with other attached conditions.

It is thought that when the new home resumes operations as Silverdale Care Ltd, it will once again be providing nursing care.