The team of more than 2,900 'dedicated and compassionate' individuals that make-up the Isle of Man’s health and social care service have been praised by Minister Howard Quayle MHK. He recognised their 'relentless commitment' to deliver the best possible care for the Island’s community and efforts to improve services.
The Minister’s remarks came as he reflected on the achievements and challenges the service has seen over recent years.
The Minister said:
'I want to place on record my thanks to every individual that delivers the Island’s treasured health and social care services. Not just for their dedication and compassion but for their ever-present and relentless commitment to improve care, and their desire to drive innovation.'
Health and social care has continued to see record investment by Government despite the need to reduce the size of Government following changes to the VAT agreement with the UK. The service’s overall budget – now £250 million a year – is evidence of Government’s commitment to ‘protect the vulnerable’ outlined in the Agenda for Change.
The Minister continued:
'Since 2011 the Department has taken many positive steps to improve care for the people of the Isle of Man and it is important that we acknowledge and celebrate these achievements.'
The Minister added:
'Health and social care never rests on its laurels – we are acutely aware that there remains a great deal of very important work to do. I often make the analogy that running the Department is similar to captaining a super tanker. I am confident that we have set our course and are slowly but surely turning the tanker.
'The past five years has been a challenging period for health and social care services. The sheer growth in demand – as a result of advancements in new drugs and treatments, an ageing population, and growing public expectation – has seen increasing pressure on the Island’s health and social care service – a system designed in the 1940s. At the same time the Department has seen a growing scrutiny of its activities, which I welcome.
'It is clear to all of us that this particularly testing period will continue. The Island’s five year strategy for health and social care approved by Tynwald last year looks to address some of the long term challenges we face in order to make our services more adaptable and fit for the future. It is vital that work to implement the strategy continues.'
