Society outlines concerns over Manx Care mandate

The latest mandate issued to Manx Care highlights issues with "ambiguity" in its action plans and an "urgent" need for a workforce review, a group representing medics has said.

The Isle of Man Medical Society has outlined a raft of criticisms of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) document.

The society, which set out eight key "weaknesses" within the mandate, said Manx Care risked "being seen as a failure unless urgent reform is undertaken".

In a statement, the DHSC said it welcomed the "constructive comments" and it would discuss them "directly" with the group in the coming days.

It said further engagement would "demonstrate and reassure" the society that its concerns were being addressed.

In its response to the mandate, the society praised its "ambitious" strategic vision, its focus on preventative care, and financial transparency, but said "critical gaps" remained.

It found that a lack of engagement with the public "diminishes inclusivity and responsiveness to community needs".

The society also said there was a "lack of specific timelines" set out for Manx Care's objectives, which reduced "clarity and accountability".

Possible cuts, particularly delays or cancellations to elective surgeries, were highlighted by the society as having the potential to have "severe and far-reaching consequences for patients and the health and wellbeing of our community", it said.

The society said they were "not merely optional procedures" but "essential interventions that significantly improve the quality of life for our patients".

The society also called for an "urgent" review into Manx Care's workforce, particularly its management structure, with the view of creating a "leaner" system led by professional and medical experts to "enhance operational efficiency".

Other recommendations included carrying out an island-wide needs assessment to gauge the population's healthcare needs, as well as incorporating "detailed implementation plans".

Tynwald members are set to have a general debate about the mandate, along with Manx Care's operational plan for 2025-26, at the March sitting of the parliament.

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