Ashford and Thomas appointed as DHSC political members

MHKs David Ashford and Chris Thomas have been appointed as political members for the Department of Health and Social Care.

It follows the resignation of Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher who left the department alongside Lawrie Hooper who stepped down as minister.

Mr Hooper claimed the Council of Ministers was pushing healthcare towards privatisation, something the chief minister denies.

You can find out more HERE. 

Alfred Cannan - who remains as interim health minister - held talks with officials at the DHSC and Manx Care today (18 October). 

In a statement he said: "It is important that we work together to reset the relationship between Manx Care, the Department of Health and Social Care, and Tynwald. 

"We must all work together to find solutions to ensure our Island has health and social care services that are fit for purpose and provide value for money.

"I will be having further conversations with political colleagues on the opportunity to review the Manx Care mandate and the role of the DHSC.

"All three political members have a wealth of experience and I look forward to working with them to make rapid progress in reviewing the Manx Care mandate alongside the associated budget requirements."

Douglas North MHK David Ashford served as Health and Social Care Minister throughout the Covid pandemic.

He was appointed Treasury Minister in 2021 before stepping down from the role in 2022 following fall-out from the results of former medical director Dr Rosalind Ranson's employment tribunal.

Earlier this week the chief minister told Manx Radio he would be considering who should be the new DHSC minister 'over the coming days'.