'Fundamental reform' needed at Noble's

Two PAC reports highlight failings

Noble's Hospital is in need of 'fundamental reform', according to two damning reports published by Tynwald's Public Accounts Committee.

One which has looked into overspending at the hospital says there has been no adequate progress over the last year and still no clear strategy, thanks, in part, to 'weak and ineffective leadership'.

The committee goes on to say it has found scant reason to be optimistic about the department being capable of delivering strategic change, based on the evidence it has received.

It goes on to describe the copying and pasting of large parts of a planned integrated care strategy from Wigan as a 'farce', which further undermines faith in the Department of Health and Social Care's ability to deliver the big changes needed.

Meanwhile, the one which looked at staffing at Noble's says it is 'in fundamental need of reform', as there are pockets of poor financial management, poor data, failures of leadership and unacceptable behaviour among the dedicated professionals working there.

It adds that: 'The negative impact of poor organisational culture on staff morale, and staff's ability to deliver the best outcomes as well as value for money should not be underestimated.

The reports will be laid before Tynwald this month, but are not due to be debated until May.

Links to them can be found on page five of the Tynwald order paper.

Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson is the chair of the PAC: