A report covering the progress made by Sir Jonathan Michael, who is undertaking the Independent Review into the Isle of Man Health and Social Care System, was laid before Tynwald today, Tuesday 15 January 2019.
The move to establish a fundamental review was supported by Tynwald Members in January 2018 after Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK tabled a motion against the backdrop of rising demand and of the Department of Health and Social Care repeatedly exceeding its annual budget.
The 12-month review began in April 2018 and aims to set out recommendations to address the current and long-term health and social care challenges facing the Isle of Man. The final report will be presented to Tynwald at the May 2019 sitting.
In a statement, Mr Cannan said:
'While Sir Jonathan's final report is due before this Honourable Court in May, the progress report includes recommendations for action in the meantime, including around transformational funding for short-term needs and legislative requirements.
'I can confirm that the Treasury has recently released funds from the Healthcare Transformation Fund to allow the Department of Health and Social Care to allocate resources to address some of these immediate requirements.'
He added:
'I understand from Sir Jonathan that the final report will include a detailed breakdown of recommendations for the relevant legislative programme required. This will provide a statutory basis to introduce changes in the system as well as behaviour and culture, which can take time to embed following that legislation.'
Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford MHK said:
'Sir Jonathan and the review team have made excellent progress and I welcome the findings provided in the report.
'The Island's health and care services will be in a much stronger position to face the future once the final report is submitted and a co-ordinated approach can be undertaken to instigate behavioural, cultural and legislative changes.'
For further information about the review and to find out how to submit views, email or call +44 1624 650759.
