Call for clinical leadership in health service

A group representing medics has called for the creation of a committee of clinicians and managers to oversee operations in the Isle of Man's health service.

It follows an independent review by Mersey Internal Audit Agency, which identified "fundamental issues" in funding and strategy, core processes, governance, and communication and engagement.

The Isle of Man Medical Society (IOMMS) also called for changes to the Manx Care board of directors - amid current "challenges in culture and operational efficiency" - to include politicians.

The health department said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on its arrangements with Manx Care ahead of Tynwald debating the review next week.

The society has written to Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Minister Claire Christian, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan and Tynwald Members to highlight "urgent concerns," including the limited clinical input into strategic decisions, and low staff engagement.

The IOMMS said it noted a lack of transparency, inconsistent reporting and unclear accountability between the board and executive leadership.

Under its proposals the positions of chairman and vice-chairman on the Manx Care board would be held by MHKs, and its membership would include a majority of Manx residents.

It would also see the establishment of a Professional Executive Committee, comprising of clinicians and managers - acting as the operational and clinical leadership body reporting to the board.

Clearer governance frameworks, reporting lines and sub-committees were also needed within the healthcare body to ensure "robust oversight", the IOMMS said.

Manx Care was formed in 2021 as an "arm's length provider" following recommendations in a report by former NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Sir Johnathon Michael.

However, the latest independent review found that while Manx Care was "the right model", its "ability to operate at truly arm's length" was "challenging".

The society said that although the structure within Manx Care had "provided stability" there remained "challenges" in governance, culture, and operational efficiency.

Its proposals would clarify roles and responsibilities, embed clinical expertise into decision-making, improve transparency and better align delivery with community needs and government priorities, IOMMS argued.

A DHSC spokesman said while it thanked the medical society for sharing its proposals, it would be "inappropriate to comment on the governance arrangements between Manx Care and the DHSC" prior to the upcoming debate.

"Once that debate has concluded, the department will continue to work towards delivering a full response and implementation plan to the February 2026 Tynwald sitting," they added.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.