DHSC 'copy, cut and paste' Wigan 2014 strategy

Manx integrated care 'vision' is actually one from Greater Manchester

A proposed integrated care strategy for the Isle of Man is a 'copy, cut and paste’ replica of one produced for Wigan City Council five years ago.

The majority of the document, entitled 'Our Vision: the best small-island health and care system - delivering longer, healthier lives' directly mirrors that of a similar NHS strategy published for its Wigan Borough.

The news was revealed in an oral evidence hearing of the Public Accounts Committee of Tynwald yesterday (Wed 13), which heard Department of Health and Social Care chief executive Malcolm Couch announce a forecast £3.5 million overspend.

You can listen to the oral evidence session in full here.

With 'special thanks' to Wigan Council

Michaela Morris, Deputy CEO, who is credited as the main author of the document, told the committee it's 'very much a vision that fits well for the Island.'

"There's one particular chapter which has been written by our third sector partners, that's a combination of the chief executive of the hospice and the chief exec of crossroads, David Gawne," said Mrs Morris.

"It's absolutely very similar to one in Wigan. But certainly, the visions for integrated care are very similar across the whole world."

“This is not a Manx strategy is it?” asked Juan Watterson, “this is the Wigan strategy that’s been brought to bear on the Isle of Man.”

The document features case studies and examples of residents, which despite having their names and addresses changed, share exactly the same stories as those in the document from Greater Manchester.

The case of 'Juan and Ruth', 70-year-olds supposedly from Port Erin, is actually taken from Eric and Mary, who don't live on the Isle of Man.

According to the 'Manx' document, the Island's financial position, fragmented services vision and mantra of 'start well, live well, age well' are in line with Wigan's five years ago.

'Moving forward', it says, 'we have a real opportunity to transform the way that health and care services are provided in the [insert Isle of Man]'

Health Minister David Ashford has been contacted for comment.