Manx Care: " We won't consider or recommend charging patients for GP appointments and A&E visits"

Manx Care has confirmed it will not consider or recommend charging patients for GP appointments and A&E visits.

It comes as the organisation was instructed to make a list of potential cost saving ideas last year, as a shortfall of £8.7m was predicted for the 2022/23 financial year.

However, the Board agreed that no mitigation involving charging patients for clinical services or appointments would be considered.

Following speculation over the charges, Manx Care says members of the public have made 'threats towards the lives of specific individuals,' which will be reported to the Police.

The health body has required additional funding from Tynwald for the last seven years, at an average of £8m per year, which it recognizes 'represents poor value for money for Manx Taxpayers.'

It's added staff are 'trying to do their best for the people of the Isle of Man' working within their 'financial and staffing pressures.'