DHSC to cover cost of doctors' pay deal, rather than Manx Care

Health minister confirms additional funding comes from DHSC budget as Manx Care faces scrutiny over cost-cutting measures

Health Minister Claire Christian has written to all Tynwald members to provide an update on health service funding and negotiations over doctors’ pay, following a turbulent period for Manx Care.

In the letter, she confirmed that the latest pay offer for doctors employed by Manx Care is now under formal consideration by members of the British Medical Association (BMA).

Since the letter was issued, the British Medical Association has accepted the offer, which covers the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years.

The last-minute talks led to the deferral of proposed strike action last week.

Ms Christian revealed that Manx Care did not have sufficient funds within its existing budget to improve the previous pay offer made last autumn.

Instead, financial support from within the Department of Health and Social Care budget has been used to fund the new proposal.

She added that the offer would not further impact Manx Care’s budget for 2024/25.

Christian also highlighted plans to improve recruitment and retention of doctors at all levels, boost morale, and provide more effective patient care.

Work is believed to be continuing to develop a ‘Mandate and Operating Plan’ for 2025/26, aligning with the financial plan in the government’s 'Pink Book'.

The update comes amid controversy over Manx Care’s recent cost-cutting measures, which saw the health body announce and then retract a series of planned service reductions, including the suspension of all non-time-critical operations.

The decision-making process was described as ‘chaotic’, leading to Chief Minister Alfred Cannan acknowledging a ‘clear communication failure’ over the suspension of services.

Questions have also been raised over Claire Christian’s role in the developments, after she initially told Tynwald that 'no services were under threat' before later revealing she was aware of the proposed cuts.

Despite this, she maintains that she will not be resigning.