BMA calls for UK-led inquiry into handling of Dr Ranson case

Chair pens letter to Health Minister with concerns 

The British Medical Association has issued a call for a UK-led public inquiry into the Isle of Man Government and Health Service’s handling of the Dr Rosalind Ranson case.

The Island’s former Medical Director was recently awarded £3.2 million after it was found she was unfairly dismissed for whistleblowing about the management of the Covid pandemic.

Tynwald approved an independent review into the handling of the case earlier this month.

The BMA says it's 'concerned about the scope and independence of the review process and the provisions available to it. As it stands, it says, the committee cannot compel witnesses to give evidence, an extraordinary omission given the seriousness of the allegations.'

The BMA’s Chair of Council, Professor Philip Banfield recently visited the island as guest of members of the Medical Society and to meet with Dr Ranson. 

Afterwards, it says "Health Minister Lawrie Hooper wrote to Professor Banfield expressing ‘concern’ at the issues he raised during the visit and that in media interviews, Professor Banfield painted a picture in relation to culture on the island that, ‘ is at odds with the outcomes from the recent independent inspections undertaken by the CQC and contained within their reports."

In a letter to the Minister, Professor Banfield says the BMA’s concerns about the handling of the case and feedback from doctors in Manx Healthcare, will be raised with the UK’s Minister responsible for Crown Dependencies.  

 Professor Banfield writes: “Given the litany of serious failings of the DHSC and the wider Manx Government, why would the island’s Health Minister not want these issues considered by the Minister with overall responsibility? The BMA understands that a process has been set up by Tynwald to investigate some of these failings, however our concern is the scope and independence of this process and the provisions available to it. As it stands the committee cannot compel witnesses to give evidence, an extraordinary omission given the seriousness of the allegations. 

"In my view, the only possible way forward is a UK-led public inquiry, with powers commensurate to the significance of the situation to the people of the Isle of Man, able to independently hold those responsible to account and consider the wider systemic factors.”

Manx Radio has contacted government and Minister Hooper for comment.