Health chiefs say they’re continuing to look into the future of the Corrin Memorial Home in Peel.

The old folk’s home, where 21 people live, was earmarked for closure in July after its trustees said it was no longer viable.

The decision sparked an outcry in the town and a campaign was launched to save it.

Last month the government pledged to plug the financial gap for at least six months after the issued was raised in Tynwald.

This week the Department of Health and Social Care issued an update on the situation.

It says it is continuing to provide ’focused support’ to the operators of Corrin Memorial Home in Peel, as options for the private facility’s future are considered.

The DHSC’s chief executive Kathryn Magson and senior officers have been holding meetings with the directors and trustees of the home.

She said the first priority of the department and the directors of Corrin Memorial Home was to ensure the safety of the residents, and assessments with social care teams in Manx Care - the new body that’s in charge of day-to-day health services - are already under way.

The motion in Tynwald last month agreed that a minimum six-month notice period should be in place to minimise disruption to residents and the DHSC is working to identify the level of support that would require.

The stage in this process is a full understanding of the financial position of the business and associated companies in the group.

Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford said: ’We are taking steps to assist and support those responsible for Corrin Memorial Home’s continued safe operation.

’We share the concern of residents, staff, families and the local community about the current situation - this important facility in the west of the island is a much-loved home to its residents, and the current uncertainty is naturally unsettling for all parties.

’I would like to thank the staff for their commitment at a difficult time, and those in the community offering moral and practical support.

’The trustees and directors are meeting with us regularly in a spirit of cooperation to find a solution, at least for the short to medium term.

’The crossroads we’ve reached may also present opportunities and -- as the public would expect - we are looking at the bigger picture and considering longer-term options for future provision of health and care facilities in the west of the island.’

Further meetings are being held with the trustees and directors, and the department says is maintaining regular contact and correspondence to provide assistance and information as required.

Two days before the DHSC announcement, Kate-Lord Brennan MLC - who is standing for Glenfaba and Peel in the Keys general election in September - said: ’I am growing concerned now about the lack of clarity of approach two weeks on from the Tynwald sitting where the Tynwald resolution regarding Corrin Home and residential care in the west was fully supported.

’It is still an urgent matter. Some assurance and a clear plan is needed. Residents and their families understandably need surety. As time goes on, lack of clarity will cause uncertainty among stakeholders at the home and in the community.

’This uncertainty needs to be allayed.

’There was a groundswell of support and good will for the Corrin Home in the communities that the home serves and Tynwald got behind the issue and the need to be compassionate and forward looking 100%.’

his now needs to be matched quickly by government action and collaboration with and by the Corrin Home and charities to best steer a new course for the residents and staff whilst maintaining continuity of care at the home.