Relatives told of Southlands' move before affected staff

It’s also emerged that the relatives of the residents who are being moved due to the closure of a care unit in Port Erin were told of the changes before staff.

Social care bosses met with the family members on Wednesday afternoon to tell them of the developments – before they consulted affected employees.

Staff have been told that arrangements will be made to transfer them to the Thie Meanagh facility in Farm Hill so that they can provide continuity of care to residents.

Cath Hayhow, assistant director of adult social services, says the decision to tell the relatives first was a conscious one:

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