GSD welcomes Rooke care capacity but demands ‘proper consultation’ for residents and answers on costs

**Gibraltar Social Democrats Support Rooke Care Expansion but Call for Greater Transparency**

The Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD) welcomed the government’s announcement to expand elderly residential care at the Rooke facility. However, the party said the proposal raises several unanswered questions that need to be addressed before the plans can be fully implemented.

Key concerns highlighted by the GSD include:

* **Cost to taxpayers** – The party wants clear information on how the expansion will be financed and what impact it will have on public finances.
* **Consultation with residents and families** – The GSD insists that residents of the Rooke facility and their families must be properly consulted before any changes are made.
* **Future of Mount Alvernia** – Questions remain about how the expansion will affect the nearby Mount Alvernia care centre and whether it will be integrated into the new plans.
* **Long‑term strategy for elderly care** – The party seeks a comprehensive, long‑term strategy from the Gibraltar Government to guide the development of elderly care services across the territory.

The GSD said the announcement provided some clarity but that the lack of detail on these issues leaves residents and taxpayers uncertain about the future of elderly care in Gibraltar.

The government’s plans were announced in a statement released by the Gibraltar Government’s Department of Health and Social Care. The GSD’s comments were made during a press briefing held at the GSD headquarters on Thursday.

Article source: chronicle.gi | Image credit: GSD welcomes ‘Gibraltar Development Plan 2023’ – Gibral…