The Isle of Man Medical Society has warned that Manx Care needs urgent reform or risk being seen as a failure.
The Society (IOMMS) has expressed concerns about the “Mandate to Manx Care 2025/26,” criticising a lack of proper engagement and warning that it could lead to reductions in secondary care services.
The mandate, which outlines the strategic framework for the island’s health and social care services, aims to deliver integrated, efficient, and sustainable care.
It focuses on preventative measures, early intervention, and financial transparency.
However, the IOMMS has raised alarms over the mandated 2% efficiency target, which could result in cuts to secondary care services, potentially delaying essential treatments such as elective surgeries.
Threats
The Society said that if plans allowed to proceed, then the proposed cuts will have “severe and far-reaching consequences for patients and the health and wellbeing of our community”.
It added: “Elective operations are not merely optional procedures; they are essential interventions that significantly improve the quality of life for our patients.
“Delaying or cancelling these surgeries will lead to prolonged suffering, increased morbidity, and potentially life and limb-threatening complications for those awaiting treatment.”
The IOMMS said that without addressing the workforce issues, “inefficiencies and overspends will persist”.
It added: “Without urgent reform, Manx Care risks being perceived as a failure, which could undermine public trust and confidence in the healthcare system.”
Strengths
The IOMMS has praised some areas of the mandate, saying that it “provides a well-structured framework aimed at delivering integrated, efficient, and sustainable health and social care services”.
It also praised the focus on preventative care that emphasises early intervention and community based services, as well as the detailed financial directions and inclusion of efficiency targets.
Weaknesses
However, the IOMMS highlighted that the document lacks specific details, with objectives missing clear timelines, milestones, and responsibilities.
It said that the mandated 2% efficiency target and reallocation of budgets “raise concerns about potential reductions in secondary care services, impacting care quality and accessibility”.
It also criticised a lack of public and professional engagement and added: “he apparent exclusion of key professional organisations, such as the Isle of Man Medical Society, misses valuable insights and risks alienating healthcare professionals.”
There is also criticism of objectives lacking specific timelines, milestones, and responsibilities which the Society says reduces clarity and accountability.
The IOMMS said that there is an “urgent need for a comprehensive review of the workforce, particularly management staff”.
It said: “The organisation would benefit from a leaner management structure that prioritises efficient resource utilisation while ensuring that leadership is medically and professionally driven.
“This approach could improve decision-making and align the organisation more closely with the needs of healthcare delivery.”
Improvements
The Society has listed several areas for improvement, which includes “shifting towards a leaner management structure led by medical and professional experts”.
It has also called for regulation to be handed over to a separate body as it currently is “consuming a disproportionate quantity of resources”.
Further improvements were called for that included a review the workforce, clearer service commitments and integrated care records.
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