St Colm’s final decision to be made next year says OIC

Orkney Islands Council has stated that the current consultation on St Colm’s Day centre is set to continue.

The authority says that this involves meetings with people who use St Colm’s, their families and carers, and the staff involved in providing services to adults with learning disabilities.

The discussions involve looking at how services provided at St Colm’s are offered in future.

The OIC says it is encouraging all involved to put forward their views and ideas.

“This is a matter of great importance to our community and to the council itself,” said Gillian Morrison, executive director of corporate services, who is currently deputising as chief executive of the OIC, as Alistair Buchan is out of the county at the moment.

“There has been considerable feedback so far and this needs to be carefully considered before options are put forward for the way services are provided in future for adults with learning disabilities.

“The new chief officer for Orkney Health and Care takes up her post in September and her views will be important in shaping the next steps in this process. It is likely that a further consultation will take place once specific options have been drawn up, giving all stakeholders a further opportunity to provide us with their views.

“This means that final decisions will be made next year, rather than in September as first envisaged. I would again assure all involved that to date, a decision has not been taken by the council to discontinue using the St Colm’s building.”