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DHSC justifies pay rate for clinicians

Cause of salary differential with England

The Island can justify spending more than England on clinicians, according to the CEO of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Manx taxpayers foot a salary bill of almost £132,000 per year for the highest-paid consultants at Noble's Hospital, compared to £96,800 in England.

CEO Malcolm Couch says it's because there are times when the health service can't compete with pay rates without raising the bar.

The pay differential has been revealed in response to a petition laid on Tynwald Day in July. 

Consultant salaries in the Island are based on the system of  'programmed activities' where consultants take on additional duties to enhance their pay - similar to Clinical Excellence Awards given in England.

Dr Couch admits remuneration for health professionals requires regular review: 

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