Members of the public are being encouraged to take part in a review that will help to shape the future of the Isle of Man’s health and social care system.
Sir Jonathan Michael has been tasked with looking at options to provide modern, fit-for-purpose health and social care services that meet the Island’s current and long-term needs.
The distinguished clinician and former chief executive of three NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK is gathering evidence from a wide range of sources.
Sir Jonathan has already held meetings with professionals working on the frontline of the Island’s care services. He will continue to visit Noble’s Hospital, GP practices and other facilities in the months ahead to gain an understanding of the challenges from a staff perspective.
Island residents are also being invited to contribute to the process and have their say on matters such as the scope and delivery of services, quality and safety, funding, staffing, technology and the sustainability of services.
An online hub has been created to encourage constructive ideas and discussion and to gauge public support for suggestions that are posted. People can go to www.gov.im/healthcare-review to share their own ideas and to rate and comment on proposals put forward by other users. Further information is also available on the hub, which will be live until Tuesday 7 August 2018.
Alternatively, comments can be submitted in writing to the Healthcare Review Secretariat by email to DHSCReview@gov.im or by post to Cronk Coar, Noble’s Hospital, Strang, Braddan, IM4 4RJ.
Feedback forms are available at a number of Department of Health and Social Care buildings, as well as GP practices, dental surgeries, opticians and pharmacies.
Sir Jonathan said:
‘This review is an opportunity to take stock of what is and isn’t working for the Isle of Man and to set out policy options for consideration by Tynwald. It is important for members of the public to be heard and for their views to help shape the future of the Island’s health and social care services. I would encourage people to play an active part in the review by using the ideas hub or writing in.’
Sir Jonathan, who was knighted in 2005 for services to the NHS, will be available to speak to organisations about their views, ideas and concerns. Interested parties wishing to set up a meeting, or attend workshops or focus groups on specific aspects of health and social care services, should email DHSCReview@gov.im or call +44 1624 650759 for further information.
To support the public engagement programme, Sir Jonathan will be attending the Tynwald Day celebrations to learn more about the Island’s culture and history and to talk to local people about health and care issues.
Feedback from the different forums will be collected and used to inform the independent review, which was established by Tynwald in January following a motion by Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK.
This work will build on the Department’s Five-Year Health and Social Care Strategy, in addition to a number of other reports, including the work of the West Midlands Quality Review Service.
The Department is currently working to its Service Delivery Plan, which takes into account matters raised during public engagement sessions in January 2016. These comments and ideas will be considered as part of the independent review, along with additional feedback addressing the specific areas set out in the terms of reference.
Sir Jonathan, who is the independent chair of the review, is supported by an Advisory Panel comprising representatives from clinical, patient, political, public, private and third sector organisations.
An interim report will be submitted to Tynwald in January 2019, with the final report presented for discussion at the May 2019 sitting.
