DHSC responds to report into relationship with Manx Care

Plans to 'strengthen the partnership' as preferred option for future

The Department of Health and Social Care says it will bring a detailed plan to Tynwald in June outlining the future between it and Manx Care.

It's published its response to an independent report which assessed that relationship in detail.

The document, from the Mersey Internal Audit Agency, found that the current health and social care model on the Isle of Man 'is not operating as well as originally intended'.

Issues such as 'the size and scale of the Island, along with its governance and funding structures', were highlighted as things which 'have limited the ability of Manx Care to fully function as an independent arm’s-length body'.

You can read more on the report HERE.

Four 'strategic options' were produced to try and rectify the issues. 

These were:

• OPTION 1: Do nothing
• OPTION 2: Fully implement the Sir Jonathan Michael independent review recommendations
• OPTION 3: Strengthen the partnership between Manx Care and DHSC
• OPTION 4: Reintegrate Manx Care with the DHSC

Options two and three were deemed the most 'viable' and, as such, were more explicitly explored.

When the report was initially debated, in December 2025, politicians agreed to receive it and voted for the DHSC to report back at next month's sitting of the court.

However, the department's response has been published on the Tynwald Register of Business (20 January).

It highlights the intention to 'strengthen and simplify the partnership' between the DHSC and Manx Care - Option 3 as presented above.

The document reveals that the department believes this option to 'represent the most pragmatic, efficient and sustainable approach for the future of health and social care governance on the Island'.

It says: "In summary Option 3 offers a balanced solution that strengthens governance, enhances accountability, and responds to stakeholder priorities while avoiding the risks and costs associated with radical structural change. 

"It provides a clear framework for delivering modern, high-quality health and social care services within a sustainable financial envelope."

Proposals to achieve Option 3 include:

• establish a 5-10 year strategy underpinned by a three-year financial settlement
• redesign board governance arrangements
• improve joint financial and strategic planning with Treasury
• strengthen leadership capacity within DHSC
• develop a robust commissioning model
• clarify shared services functions and modernising legislation

The department says it intends to 'undertake this design work, along with delivering some key foundational activities, within the next few months and return to Tynwald in June 2026 with a detailed implementation plan for Option 3 ready for delivery in the next administration'.

Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian said: "This review has provided valuable, evidence-based insight into the challenges facing our health and social care system. 

"It demonstrates that meaningful reform is both necessary and achievable, providing confidence in our ability to deliver a modern, safe and sustainable service.

"By further strengthening the partnership between the Department and Manx Care we will develop clearer decision-making that directs investment with purpose, provides lasting benefit for patients and service users, and underpins a governance model designed to meet the evolving health and care needs of our island.

"We will co-produce this model with our partners including the voluntary and community sector, so it is shaped by real experience, responds to genuine need and delivers measurable improvements for the people of the Isle of Man."

The DHSC response document can be found HERE and will be laid before Tynwald for debate next month.