The Isle of Man Trades Union Council has labelled the latest Manx Care annual peport a “damning indictment of a system in crisis”.
The report confirms that over 17,000 patients are waiting for consultant-led services, with thousands enduring long waits for procedures and dental care.
The union stated, “It confirms what patients and staff have known all along – targets missed, waiting lists spiralling, and staff being pushed beyond breaking point.”
They emphasised the human cost, adding: “Behind every figure are real people – patients suffering in uncertainty, and staff stretched to breaking point.”
Failure
The IOMTUC contrasted the current reality with the system’s origins, noting Manx Care was created following the independent Sir Jonathan Michael Review commissioned in 2018 after a series of overspends.
The review was championed by then-Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan, who described it as “much needed” and a “really exciting opportunity to get this right”.
The union group contends the model has failed, saying: “Today’s reality is very different. The model Alf Cannan backed – and the promises made – have failed.
“What was meant to deliver safe, efficient, arm’s-length care has become a catalogue of crisis.”
The IOMTUC added: “Enough is enough. The people of the Isle of Man deserve safe, sustainable, and accountable healthcare. We support the call for urgent leadership change.
“If this report were published in the UK, it would almost certainly trigger special measures. Our Island cannot afford further decline – accountability must start at the top.”