Health and care people can rely on
PRIORITY
Health and social care is one of the Island’s biggest challenges, and it affects every family.
When people are worried about their health, navigating the system should not add to the stress.
Staff work hard under pressure, yet too many patients are left waiting, chasing appointments and repeating their story. That is unfair on patients, families and staff.
We need a health service built around people, with stable leadership, less bureaucracy and more time for care.
More funding alone will not fix the system. We must also improve the structure and the culture.
We need to have an honest conversation about what the service can realistically provide and how it can be funded sustainably.
Image source: Richard Hoare
Leadership closer to care
Good healthcare needs leaders who understand the experience of their staff.
I would propose introducing a policy which requires senior leaders to spend regular structured time working on the frontline - listening to staff, supporting patients and seeing the pressures firsthand.
Digital access
When you are worried about your health, quick advice matters.
Too many people wait for an appointment or travel to the UK when a phone or video consultation could resolve the issue.
Face-to-face care must remain available, but digital consultations should be easier to access where safe and appropriate.
This would free up more in-person appointments for those who need them most
Someone on your side
When you get stuck in the system, you often feel like you have nowhere to turn.
Tynwald has backed introducing an independent advocacy service which would help support those patients. Government has committed to delivering it, but progress appears to have stalled.
I will push for that promise to be delivered, especially for people with complex needs and children in crisis.
Clear published data
Manx Care already publishes some waitingtime information, but it should be clearer and easier to understand.
People are more likely to accept delays when they know what is happening and why.
We need honest, regular updates on how services are performing, where pressures are building, and what action is being taken when they fall behind.
My priorities:
Monthly publication of waiting times and backlogs.
Improved access through increased phone or video appointments, while protecting face-to-face care.
Delivery of the independent patient advocacy service.
Reduced bureaucracy and management layers in Manx Care.
Regular structured time for senior leaders on the frontline.
An honest conversation about future sustainable funding for health services.