Follows MHK's claim that medics have been left 'frightened'
Manx Care has denied attempting to ‘gag’ its staff from speaking out over cuts being made in the health service.
It says no specific directive has been issued instructing them not to discuss the current reduction in services.
Yesterday (30 January) it was confirmed the health body is reducing the amount of elective care being undertaken both on and off Island.
Non-urgent procedures and appointments at UK hospitals are being stopped until 31 March.
This includes new and follow-up appointments, operations and investigations.
It excludes patients awaiting cancer or clinically urgent intervention and those undergoing treatment which would be affected if delayed.
Earlier this week Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher had planned to ask an urgent question in the House of Keys about planned cuts to services.
However this did not go ahead due to the absence of Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian.
Ms Faragher told Manx Radio the ‘information vacuum’ about off-Island surgery was ‘unforgivable’:
In response a spokesperson for Manx Care said:
"Manx Care understands that staff will have their own personal opinions about matters which happen in their workplace.
"I can confirm that no specific directive has gone out from Manx Care instructing staff not to speak about the current reduction in services that are being implemented as is being inferred.
"Under the Isle of Man Government’s Policy, Standards and Guidelines regarding Electronic Communications and Social Media of September 2015, which all government employees are required to comply with, it clearly states that staff should avoid “Making derogatory, defamatory or malicious remarks or expressing derogatory opinions about the government or staff working within government."
"It is recommended that users familiarise themselves with the Bullying and Harassment Policy / Fairness at Work Policy, which outlines the behaviours that are expected of Government staff.
"Manx Care sent out an internal communication to all staff on 22/08/24 reminding them of this fact. No other communication of a similar nature has been issued since then.
"If a member of staff felt strongly enough then provision is made and referred to in the same internal communication to use the “Confidential Reporting Policy (Whistleblowing) to bring that member of staff’s concerns to light.
"At no point has Manx Care attempted to gag its staff.
"We are following the Isle of Man government’s own policy on such matters."
You can listen to the full interview with Joney Faragher in this episode of Manx Newscast:
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