BMA finds less than a quarter of doctors recommend working at Manx Care

The union says its latest staff survey is a "damning indictment" of healthcare provider

A union representing medics says less than a quarter of doctors at Manx Care would recommend the Island's healthcare provider as a place to work.

It comes following the British Medical Association's annual survey of its members about the health service they work for and the standards of care it provides.

The BMA's Culture of Care Barometer Survey questions medics about a number of aspects of their jobs.

It described the findings that less than a quarter of doctors would recommend the organisation as a place to work as a "damning indictment" of Manx Care.

In a statement about the results of the questionnaire, the union says over 60 percent of those who replied disagreed or strongly disagreed that Manx Care listened to staff views.

While members agreed that they're respected by their co-workers and immediate managers, only 13 percent said they see good evidence of leadership at senior levels.

Chair of the Isle of Man Medical Society Dr Prakash Thiagarajan said: "Once again, we are seeing survey results that tell us very little is improving in Manx Care. 

"Doctors without the time or the resources to care for their patients as they’d like to or do their jobs as they should. Less than a third of those who replied feel proud to work for Manx Care and less than a fifth believe that unacceptable behaviours are dealt with consistently. 

"People on the Isle of Man should not be cared for by doctors who are demoralised and we should not have a health service staffed by doctors who do not believe they are valued by senior leaders at Manx Care.

"We have started a dialogue with Teresa Cope, the Chief Executive of Manx Care to ask how these issues will be addressed as well as ones on pay and safer staffing levels."

A previous version of the survey found only 15 percent would recommend working for Manx Care, while just 17 percent were proud to work for the provider.

The BMA's Chair of Council Dr Tom Dolphin will be visiting the Island today, and is due to meet with government ministers as well as doctors from Manx Care during his trip.

In response, Manx Care said in a statement:

"Manx Care has not yet had time to fully digest the BMA’s Culture of Care Barometer survey data, but initial analysis of the data suggests colleagues are experiencing significant improvements across each of the survey’s key themes.  In fact, 27 out of 30 responses show year-on-year improvement. 

"Similar numbers of medical colleagues completed the survey this year and it is very pleasing to note that most participants feel respected, by both their colleagues and line managers. Doctors feel their Manx Care colleagues are friendly and that they can rely on each other in the tough moments. 

"The majority of participants feel able to ask for help when they need it and say they know exactly what is expected of them in their role. There is also recognition that staff successes are being acknowledged and celebrated. Most survey participants say they know who their manager is and say they want to feel part of a well-managed team. As expected, survey participants indicate they want more constructive feedback, more positive role-models, more support in their development and more training opportunities – all key drivers for last year’s work to develop the clinical leadership model that is now in place. Survey responses in all these areas are improving, suggesting the changes are beginning to bear fruit. 

"Some of the responses seem to indicate legacy negative feelings around the creation of Manx Care in 2021 as the island’s national health and care services provider. Nonetheless, survey participants do indicate improvements in engagement, empowerment, leadership and resources. 

"It is clear that survey participants are ready for the introduction of the Manx Care Professional Senate, which was agreed and endorsed by the Manx Care Board in November 2025. Colleagues want to feel more valued and listened to. They want to have greater influence on the way things are done more and be better informed about what’s going on in their work areas. The Professional Senate will also create opportunities for staff and their managers to share views and create greater understanding. 

"Overall, the survey presents a positive trajectory, with the vast majority of indicators showing improvement.  This is evidenced by the fact that 28 of the indicators were the same or better than last year, many very significantly so. We will continue to work sympathetically and in confidence with all our colleagues including in partnership with BMA to deliver our goal which is to be the best small island health and care service in the world."