Work on refurbishing the hospice’s Strang unit resumed this week.

It comes after the government allowed construction and related trades to return to work providing strict social distancing rules are followed.

Anne Mills, the chief executive of Hospice Isle of Man, said: ’Before the lockdown measures were introduced during March, our refurbishment works had made significant progress and we had begun the process of planning our return "home" to Hospice at Strang from Southlands in Port Erin

’The announcement by the Chief Minister on April 21 means that we can now resume some of the vital construction and fit-out phases and expedite our plans to open our state-of-the-art-facility later this year.

’I know that with the current social distancing restrictions, our patients, volunteers and staff will be looking forward to moving back in when our beautiful gardens will be in full bloom.’

The charity’s Enhancing the Healing Environment project began in June 2019 following the support offered by the privately-held local investment group, Tevir, which owns a number of sites in Douglas including the Villiers and the Castle Mona Hotel.

The donation towards the refurbishment costs enabled the charity to make significant changes over a 12-month period rather than over a planned five-year period, so as to meet current and future regulatory requirements as well as the future needs of patients.

Tevir Group managing director Ciaran Doherty said: ’It is fantastic news that the refurbishment works can continue.

’Tevir Group were keen to support and significantly invest in this project as we understood how important it was for those patients undergoing end of life care, and who can’t be at home, to be treated in a bespoke and sensitive environment.

’We hope that Hospice Isle of Man’s many supporters will also want to help towards new furnishings, fixtures and specialised equipment for the therapy and patient rooms.

’While the pandemic is ongoing, Hospice Isle of Man continues to play an important role in helping our island community.

’As well as ensuring that the enhanced patient experience moves closer to completion, the resumption of the works is also welcome news for the local construction sector, which has only recently been allowed to return to work.’

Hospice Isle of Man says it is committed during the Covid-19 pandemic to continuing to deliver all of its services to anyone with a terminal or life-limiting condition and has moved the delivery of some of its services remotely to maintain well-being and keep patients and their families safe during the pandemic.