The Health Minister says it is important that government reassure the public that the most efficient and productive systems and working relationships are in place.
Claire Christian said this must be “considered without ego for the betterment of our island and its people.”
The Manx Care experiment was brought into force in 2021, with Tynwald voting to distance itself and the DHSC from the delivery of health and social care.
Mrs Christian said that while much of this work was done at pace, she added that “the purpose of these changes and the benefits they were intended to bring have been hard for many people on the outside to feel, follow and understand”.
Engagement
Responding to a Tynwald resolution from October 2024, the minister outlined plans for wider engagement in the ongoing healthcare review, covering legislative reform, professional input, and governance.
“Active engagement is a cornerstone of legislative development,” she said, highlighting consultations with Manx Care, clinicians, and the public.
A key change includes the creation of a Clinical Senate to advise the Manx Care Board.
“The Clinical Senate will enable a wide range of professionals to directly advise the Manx Care Board, including Allied Health professionals, Social Workers and nurses, as well as doctors,” Ms Christian explained.
On governance, Ms Christian acknowledged calls for “more direct accountability from our publicly-funded health and care service to Tynwald – and therefore the public.”
She pledged expanded engagement, ensuring “all relevant voices – from clinicians to carers, charities to citizens and Honourable Members – are meaningfully engaged.”
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