SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Foreword by The Minister

Although it is still "early days" in the life of the Department of Health - distinct from the former Department of Health and Social Security – as this is only the second Service Delivery Plan for the Department of Health, what is already explicitly clear is that the provision of health care to the community of the Isle of Man remains absolutely at the heart of public services.

The delivery of those services becomes an ever more challenging environment within which the staff of the Department must work. Medical techniques; medical equipment; the requisite professional training and medicines themselves, among many other factors, are on a relentless path of sophistication and change. All of which has to be considered in parallel with the need for the keenest consideration of cost effectiveness and prioritisation of resources.

What has come as no surprise to me, but which is a matter of which I believe the Department can be proud, is the self-evident determination and willingness of the Department's workforce to make difficult decisions; to extract every ounce of value from money that is spent on patient care; to remain focused and motivated whilst at the same time never forgetting that the people of the Island, and in particular those who are most vulnerable or disadvantaged are the reason that we provide our services. Alongside that, the Department continues to focus on longer term strategic developments, recognising services that will be required in the future and seeking to create the right environment and conditions to allow for the correct evolution of health services.

This Service Delivery Plan covers the period of 12 months that commences on 1st April 2011. As many people will already be aware, midway through that period the Island will go to the polls in a general election. This will very probably bring about changes to the political landscape of the Island, but it is certain to remain the case that the delivery of quality healthcare service will be a priority for any incoming administration. I know that it will certainly remain so for our dedicated staff and for our colleagues in other Departments with whom we work so closely on so many vital matters.

Hon. David Anderson, MHK

Minister for Health

Downloadable Documents
Service Delivery Plan 2011-12 (751 kb) Format:Acrobat PDF File

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