37% rise in families needing support for learning disabilities in last five years

The respite unit for adults with learning disabilities at Radcliffe Villas is now supporting 37% more families than in 2018.

That's according to Health Minister Lawrie Hooper, who was asked for demand, budget and staffing figures by MHK Juan Watterson.

It's added that since June last year there have been seven rounds of recruitment for staff across learning disability services.

Radcliffe Villas has been undergoing a gradual decommissioning process, with a new respite facility being built to cater for demand, subject to Tynwald approval.