BMA queries longevity of senior Manx Care leaders if culture issues aren't addressed

79% of doctors don't believe there is strong leadership in health body

The British Medical Association has questioned whether senior leaders within Manx Care can sustain their positions if the culture within the health body doesn’t change.

79 per cent of doctors – who have responded to a new NHS ‘Culture of Care Barometer’ survey – say they don’t believe there is strong leadership within the health body.

Almost half of respondents said they were not proud to work for the organisation and wouldn’t recommend it as a good place to work; 76 per cent of doctors said Manx Care didn’t have a positive culture.

The survey – designed by the NHS and King’s College London – was sent to 161 doctors between 19 May and 8 June.

You can find the survey in full here: What is the Culture of Care in Manx Care?

Forty-three per cent of doctors responded to a number of questions relating to engagement, empowerment, management and leadership, values, roles, resources and team.

It’s the second survey of its kind with the first published in 2022.

The BMA – which is a professional association and trade union which represents and negotiates on behalf of all doctors in the UK – says the findings show issues with engagement, poor morale and a lack of confidence in hospital management.

Professor Philip Banfield is the chair of council for the BMA – he spoke to Tessa Hawley:  

Manx Care says it recognises that developing a healthy culture will always be a ‘work in progress’ and it’s working on a ‘people, culture and engagement strategy’.

In a statement a spokesperson said: “We recognise that the development of a healthy culture will always be a work in progress and that we still have a way to go in order to establish and fully embed the culture we wish to see within all areas of our organisation.

“Equally we recognise that there are areas within the organisation or certain staff groups where cultural challenges are stronger than others.

“Changing the culture of our organisation will not happen overnight. This report provides another opportunity for us to listen and improve and we welcome it.”

Manx Radio approached Health and Social Care Minister Lawrie Hooper for comment.

He said: 'I am unable to provide a comment on the BMA survey results at this time as the report was not shared with the Department of Health and Social Care ahead of publication.

“Once the department has had time to properly review the document we will respond appropriately.

'I can confirm we have met with the BMA today (19 June) to discuss the situation on Island. We had a positive discussion focused on how we work together to move forward."

Listen to a Newscast with Manx Care's Chief Executive Teresa Cope HERE. 

Listen to a Newscast with the British Medical Association's Chair of Council Philip Banfield HERE.