The final touches are being put to preparations to transfer patients to the Island's new hospice later this week.

A huge operation has been under way over the past few months for the move from St Bridget's to the brand new facility, in the grounds of Noble's Hospital in Braddan.

The arrival of the patients on Thursday will be the final stage of the transfer and the start of a new era of hospice care in the Isle of Man.

Marian Kenny reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Thursday the 8th has long been the all-important diary date.

By that time, the hospice has to be fully furnished and equipped, with the full range of medical supplies patients require in place.

Transferring people who are seriously ill needs very careful handling and to reduce any distress the hospice has not taken any admissions this week, while some patients have been offered hospice care at home.

As a result only a small handful of patients will actually be moved from the old to the new hospice.

One nursing team will oversee their departure and another will welcome and assist them when they arrive at the new premises.

Staff and volunteers say the move has been a great team effort and the opportunities offered by the new facility a great motivator.

(Picture: Sir Alex Ferguson officially opens the Isle of Man's new hospice building).