Manx Care has acknowledged a “mistake” in its instruction to UK hospitals to suspend all treatments except for the most urgent cases.
The details of the request were released following a Freedom of Information request which revealed that the decision was challenged by UK hospitals, including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
The error, which sparked concerns over clinical governance and patient safety, was corrected within days to include P2 (urgent) cases, but MHKs argue the emails show a deliberate change of mind, not an oversight.
Speaking in Keys, Health Minister Claire Christian said: “Manx care has acknowledged that a mistake was made, and within days, action was taken.”
January
The controversy stems from a January directive by Manx Care, asking NHS providers in England to halt non-essential treatments for Isle of Man referrals in February and March, saying that it didn’t have the cash to pay.
The initial instruction, issued on 21 January, was later amended to exclude only routine (P3/P4) cases, with clinicians retaining discretion.
While Ms Christian said this was made in error Joney Faragher (Doulas East) challenged this, telling members: “They sent out quite a clear instruction.
“They were challenged by professionals in tertiary provider units and department boards, and then they changed their mind it wasn’t an error.”
MHKs also highlighted the January emails where Manx Care improvement directors endorsed the original directive, saying this places the role of the improvements directors into question.
Lawrie Hooper said: “This was the instruction that followed from one of the meetings.
“So if the minister was saying that was an error, and actually they should have sent something out that was different, these are the same improvement directors that are making all these recommendations about other service cuts and about other changes to the service that have underpinned the development of this new, ridiculous mandate that’s been published.”
Stabilise
The Minister confirmed Manx Care has since met with all tertiary providers to “stabilise relationships” and align with a new mandate prioritising on-island care where possible.
Chris Thomas urged focus on rebuilding trust saying “every crisis is an opportunity” and that it was needed to deliver the best healthcare for the island.
Despite assurances, backbench members demanded greater transparency.
Ms Faragher pressed for departmental correspondence showing who approved the directive, but the Minister stated no such records exist.
Mr Hooper also challenged the minister’s timeline, citing a January 20 email sent after she claimed awareness of the changes.
No Oversight
The incident has raised broader questions about oversight.
Ms Faragher asked: “What departmental safeguards exist to prevent this happening again?” The minister conceded communication “can be improved” but reiterated operational matters rest with Manx Care.
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