Act to establish Manx Care clears final parliamentary hurdle

A transformation of health and social care services on Island is set to get underway in just under a fortnight.

Manx Care is set to go live on April 1 after the Manx Care Act 2021 was given Royal Assent.

The change will see the Manx Care body provide deliver health services to the public at arms length from the DHSC, which will be responsible for strategic direction setting, policy development and oversight.

The range and scope of services to be provided by Manx Care and the objectives and principles it must uphold will be set out by the DHSC each year in a high level document known as the Mandate, the first of which was received by Tynwald last week.

Health and Social Care Minister, David Ashford MHK, says: "The light has gone from amber to green so it is all systems go for the launch of Manx Care in April. 

"After extensive research, consultation and planning over almost two years, the Island’s new patient and service user-focused body is nearing its launch date.

"There will be no immediate change for Manx residents after the launch of Manx Care, as they will continue to receive their care and treatment as they did before."

Government says patient and service user representatives are currently being recruited by both the DHSC and Manx Care, aiming to make sure views of the public are represented on a more formal basis.