MHK: 'Lack of communication' to blame for 'void of uncertainty' over screening plans

Government blamed for 'poorly written' Manx Care Mandate

An MHK has blamed a ‘lack of communication’ for a ‘void of uncertainty' and escalation of concerns over cancer screening on the Isle of Man.

Arbory Castletown and Malew politician Tim Glover believes information contained in the Manx Care Mandate was ‘poorly written’ and has been handled in a ‘cowardly way’.

The document for the next year has been provided by the Department of Health and Social Care.

It states that the health body will be asked to implement any recommendations made by the UK National Screening Committee supported by the department and Public Health.

This includes decreasing the frequency of routine screening for breast and cervical cancer.

However after concerns were raised by the public, politicians and Manx charities the Department of Health and Social Care has denied this is something that will be implemented.

Claire Christian is the minister:

Public Health has also sought to clarify that it has not recommended changes to breast screening ‘at this point in time’.

However it says a clinical review of all cancer screening programmes will take place over the next 12 months to ensure services are ‘underpinned’ by the best scientific evidence and advice’.

It adds: “Public Health will engage with stakeholders and the public to provide assurance on any future recommended changes.”

Mr Glover says he doesn’t understand why, after the matter was discussed by the Council of Ministers on 6 March, it has taken so long to clarify the position.

He’d lent his ‘full support’ to fellow backbench MHK Rob Callister who wrote to Chief Minister Alfred Cannan on 10 March.

The Onchan MHK described this specific mandate request as a ‘significant error of judgement’.

Mr Callister told Manx Radio CoMin would have powers to overturn a decision to reduce screenings if it were to be made:

The confusion over whether screening programmes are to be reduced sparked an online petition organised by the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group which has been signed by more than 3,500 people; you can find it HERE.