Manx Care under pressure to live within its means says health minister

Five priority areas laid out in this year's mandate

Manx Care is coming under pressure to live within its means by driving efficiencies, and proving services are being run in the most sustainable and effective way.

That's according to Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper as the Department of Health and Social Care sets out the priorities for the healthcare provider in 2024/25.

This year's mandate includes five priority areas for Manx Care to focus on transformation and improvement.

Minister Hooper acknowledges that transforming a health service doesn't happen overnight. He says the mandate delivers a shift in focus to the long-term vision of healthcare, and looking at the services, data and systems needed to support that move.

In brief the priorities come under the following headings - A move towards fully integrated health and care systems; Safe, appropriate and consistent care; Planning for future population needs; Prevention, early intervention and childhood experiences and; Governance and accountability.

The Minister says his Department has also given direction on how Manx Care should prioritise services should they encounter budget issues, therefore preserving the delivery of emergency and critical care at all times.