Former Health Chief Executive offered minister 'great support'

Public shouldn't 'jump to conclusions' about departure

The Health Minister has paid tribute to the work of former Chief Executive, Dr Malcolm Couch, and his deputy, Michaela Morris.

It was announced yesterday evening that the Department of Health and Social Care's senior civil servants were both stepping down from their positions.

The reason given for Dr Couch's departure was so a new leadership team could be put in place to oversee reforms which will be recommended in report carried out by Sir Jonathan Michael, which is due before Tynwald later this month.

No reason was given for Mrs Morris's departure.

However, David Ashford says people shouldn't assume that it's a case of the Chief Executive quitting before being asked to leave.