FOR MEDIA
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 | The Department of Health works to foster positive relations with media organisations and journalists both on and off the Isle of Man. As a public body, the Department understands the important role the media plays in reporting on the activity of the Department of Health. Equally the Department understands the importance of the media as a channel to reach the public in matters relating to the Department, as well as developments in healthcare and wellbeing. “Given the often sensitive nature of healthcare, the Department of Health has procedures and policies in place for working with the media that ensure protection of patient safety, privacy and dignity, which will always be our primary concern.” In the first instance all media enquiries must be directed to the Department’s Corporate Services Team, which incorporates the Department’s Press Office function, either by email or by calling +44 (0) 1624 685138. |
David Killip, Chief Executive Officer being interviewed by ITV Granada for the launch of the Crash Card Scheme for TT 2011 |
Staff and Patient Interviews and Filming at Department of Health Premises
All requests for staff and patient interviews, photographs, and permission to interview/film at Department of Health premises must be made through the Corporate Services Team. Media organisations and journalists are welcome to contact the Department’s Corporate Services Team for interviews with the Department’s Officers and, where appropriate, medical staff. On occasion, patients are also sometimes happy to be interviewed, although for obvious reasons a patient interview cannot be guaranteed and can often involve certain restrictions. Under no circumstances may interviews, filming or photography be carried out in or on any Department of Health premises without the express permission of the Corporate Services Team. Those carrying out filming, recording or photography without permission, will be requested to leave the site immediately. |  |
Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, delivering a speech at Noble’s Hospital |
Plan for Major Incidents
Should a major incident occur the Department of Health has a Major Incident Plan that includes arrangements for the media.
The media will be given regular updates on the situation via the Corporate Services Team; this may be by news release or media briefing. Depending on the type of incident, information will be provided about opportunities for photographs, filming and interviews.
All media organisations are requested to contact the Department of Health’s Corporate Services Team during an emergency situation as it will reduce the number of calls going into the affected areas.
Patient Confidentiality
The Department of Health always put patient confidentially and dignity at the heart of everything it does. Interaction with the media on sensitive matters relating to healthcare relies on a respect for patient confidentiality and adherence to strict rules and criteria.
We will not give out any information about a patient unless we are given permission from the individual or their next of kin.
Access to photographs
A selection of commonly requested photographs are available upon request, in high resolution, from the Corporate Services Team.
Contact details
We will always deal with your query as promptly as possible, but it should be noted that access to the most appropriate personnel may not always be possible at short notice. Our normal working hours are:
