STRATEGY FOR HEALTH
Foreword by the Minister for Health
We are at times too preoccupied with undertaking our day to day roles to be able to look at, and plan for, the future. We are all aware that, with the changing demographic profile of the population in general and in the Isle of Man in particular, the future will bring significant new challenges to the delivery of health services on the Island.
I consider it to be essential that we plan for the future. This Strategy seeks to do that.
Over the past year we have expanded the use of Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital to deliver ear, nose and throat and eye surgery and we are piloting an expert patient programme. We have introduced new screening services and are delivering ever more care at Noble’s Hospital and in primary care and in the community. In my opinion we have made good progress within the resources available to us. However, I want us to do more. Whilst I acknowledge that the delivery of the Strategy will not be achieved overnight, especially against the present challenging financial landscape, this should not deter us from planning for the future.
The document has been under development for some time and been subject to public consultation together with, of course, our medical colleagues, nurses, other health professionals and staff, together with the Health Services Consultative Committee. It has received broad support. The basic thrust of our proposals is to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles so that they do not require the same degree of medical treatment in the future, whilst still providing quality care for those requiring it. Additionally, we foresee a shift in emphasis in the delivery of services from an acute setting (Noble’s Hospital) to the community and thus closer to the patient. This should deliver benefits in terms of patient care, which is the focus of the Department’s activities.
We will also continue to look at the ways in which we secure medical treatment when it is necessary to obtain that off-Island. It is not the case that the Department is "wedded" to a belief that the only source of suitable medical services will inevitably be the UK NHS.
I would like to thank you for taking the trouble to read this document and although during the development of the strategy it was the subject of a public consultation, I would encourage you to submit any comments that you might have to me at minister.dh@gov.im.
Minister for Health, Mr David Anderson, MHK
Vision for Health Services in 10 Years
- The Health Services will become a true ‘health’ service and not just an illness service, by shifting emphasis from cure to prevention, screening and earlier intervention.
- Health Services will be planned and designed around the health needs of the population.
- Vulnerable groups of all ages will receive appropriate patient care.
- The balance of care will move from hospital to community-based services.
- The hospital will change character from its present model of service delivery. Where possible, provision of care will shift to day care, outpatient and community settings, and re-configuration of services will see provision either from the UK or within the Isle of Man, depending on the outcome of reviews.
- Emphasis will be on achieving consistent, safe, high-quality care delivered by the most appropriate professional at the most appropriate site using Integrated Care Pathways.
- Primary care, including community services, will undertake some of the treatment presently provided by the hospital and will also play a key role in prevention, screening and early detection.
- A Health Service which operates within budget through the use of performance audits, robust governance and devolved budget management.
- A Health Service which will work with other Government Departments and outside agencies to ensure maximum improvement in the nation’s health.
- Wider use of IT will contribute to improving patient care.
- Health Services will be managed and delivered within the financial resources available as allocated by each annual Isle of Man Government budget process.
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