Full programme of external reviews for Island's Health Service published

The West Midlands Quality Review Service (WMQRS) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have today published the three year programme of external reviews of the Island’s Health Service. 

The programme consists of 13 reviews across community health services, public health and acute health services at Noble’s Hospital.  It has been developed by a Programme Board made up of senior staff from the DHSC and WMQRS as well as lay representatives. 

The first review took place on 26 November 2013 and looked into the care of adults in Accident and Emergency, Theatres and Anaesthetics and Critical Care at Noble’s Hospital. The second review was held on 12 March 2014 and examined acute medical admissions and the care of adults with long term conditions. The third review will take place on 4 July 2014 and will review governance arrangements across the Health Service, such as health and safety, infection control and auditing. 

Minister for Health and Social Care, Hon Howard Quayle MHK, said:

'I am pleased that we are able to publish the full review programme today. This rolling programme of external and independent peer review is an important way of assuring the quality of our Island’s Health Service for the people of the Isle of Man.  The programme will give the public the opportunity to see the breadth of NHS services being externally reviewed against stringent quality standards. The standards are based upon the latest English guidance on delivering safe and effective healthcare. Whilst rigorous work has been done to develop the programme, the Department would welcome any feedback the public may have.  

'There will be 13 reviews on nine dates over a three year period, with a broad range of related service areas and care pathways being reviewed simultaneously by a team of UK experts and lay representatives. Individual reports will be produced for each review as we move through the programme, meaning that we will be able to act promptly in specific individual areas to address any issues as and when they are identified.' 

The WMQRS was commissioned in 2013 by the Department of Health to undertake peer reviews of the Island’s Health Service in order to provide an assessment of the quality of care provided, identify areas for improvement and to comment upon the sustainability of services. 

Any members of the public wanting to comment on the Peer Review Programme should do so in writing to:

A copy of the Peer Review Programme can be downloaded here.