Former Manx Care employee launches petition calling for CEO to resign

Petitioner also calling for health body's contract to be looked at

A former Manx Care employee is calling for the health body’s contract to be ‘looked at’ saying ‘failings’ need to be addressed to ensure better patient care.

Kevin Oliphant-Smith has started the ‘Save Our Health Services’ Facebook page and a petition ‘demanding’ the resignation of the chief executive.

It’s attracted close to 100 signatures.

Mr Oliphant-Smith told Manx Radio he wanted to voice his concerns after speaking to patients and staff at Noble’s Hospital.

He’s also calling for government to 'look at the Manx Care contract again' and says he was inspired to take action after Teresa Cope appeared on Mannin Line earlier this year:

Manx Radio invited Manx Care to respond.

A spokesperson said: "Over the last three years the board of Manx Care has sought to be as open and transparent as possible about the challenges we face, our successes, and the continuing issues that mean we are not yet able to deliver the best small Island integrated health and social care system in the world which is our committed aspiration.

"Manx Care’s CEO and chair appeared before the Public Accounts Committee in June 2024 to give an account of Manx Care’s position to date, the condition of the health and social care system we inherited, the challenges we faced as well as our efforts and achievements.

“In addition in February the board met with the Council of Ministers to discuss the financial challenges across the Isle of Man including those in health and social care.

"We are proud of our achievements and aware of the work that still needs to be done.

“We do not get everything right and we do not have control over all aspects of our work which is challenging for us.

“We have strong relationships with the Department of Health and Social Care and value its support and challenge to enable us to improve.

"We have a strong and robust leadership team; our non-executives have deep experience in health, social care, business and the Isle of Man, as do our executive team who continue to go above and beyond in their roles every day."

You can listen to the fill interview with Mr Oliphant-Smith in this episode of NEWSCAST: