Tynwald approves Manx healthcare system overhaul approved

Politicians have backed an overhaul of the Manx healthcare system which will see health services delivered at arm's length from government. An independent body known as Manx Care will be established to provide frontline health and social care. The body, which will be headed by an independent board, will report to Tynwald on an annual basis. The review was commissioned after a series of overspends by the Department of Health and Social Care. It was carried out by Sir Jonathan Michael, a former chief executive of several NHS foundation trusts. All 26 recommendations were unanimously supported during a Tynwald meeting on Tuesday. Health minister David Ashford described the report as a "once-in-a-generation" chance to put patients "at the centre of everything we do". While development of future policy and strategy will remain within the health department, the changes mean practical healthcare will be delivered by the new organisation.