'Clearly' failures in communication over Manx Care cuts

We hear the latest from the chief minister and Manx Care's chief executive

The chief minister says there 'clearly' needs to be a rethink on how government policies - and their impacts - are communicated to the public.

Alfred Cannan has been speaking to Manx Radio following this week's revelation of further cuts within Manx Care.

It follows outcry from MHKs and the public alike over a perceived lack of government transparency - as plans were only revealed via speculation and an embargoed press release leaked by Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

TREASURY FUNDING

Further funding has now been secured from Treasury which the healthcare provider says means planned actions can now be reduced.

But some efficiencies will still be needed during February and March.

The cuts include a temporary reduction to elective care for the remainder of the financial year.

For patients receiving treatment off Island, this means a pause to non-urgent procedures in Liverpool and Manchester until 31 March.

On-Island, the additional funding will enable many appointments to go ahead over the next two months, while those who do have their appointment disrupted will have them rearranged as early as possible from April.

SIGN OFF

The timeline of this week's events has been fairly unclear, particularly in relation to who knew what and when.

And, who has the final say on healthcare cuts.

But what is clear, at least for Manx Care Chief Executive Teresa Cope, is that the sign off of additional cost-saving measures has taken longer than anticipated for her board:

The implication that the health minister knew of potential cuts in health services last week, when she briefed Tynwald members about a pay offer for doctors, has raised questions about whether she knowingly misled our Island's parliament.

Manx Radio asked the chief minister if he believes the ministerial code has been broken, and if so, if he'd be asking for Claire Christian's resignation.

Mr Cannan told us he won’t be asking the health and social care minister to resign from her post.

He instead branded the actions of his former Health and Social Care Minister - Mr Hooper - in leaking the document as 'downright irresponsible':

Manx Radio has invited the DHSC minister to comment - we are awaiting a response.

NEWSCAST

​You can listen to Manx Radio's interview with the chief minister in full via our Newscast in the link below.