Manx Care chair to step down

Wendy Reid has been in the role since February 2024

Manx Care's chair, Wendy Reid, has announced her intention to step down from the role.

She's been in the position since February 2024.

In a statement, Professor Reid says she came to the Island to work alongside outgoing CEO Teresa Cope, and following her decision to move on, believes it's also the right time for her to do the same.

She says it's been a privilege to lead the organisation and is immensely proud of what's been achieved during that time.

This is her full statement:

"It has been a privilege to chair the organisation for more than two years and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during that time. This includes delivering important clinical improvements, strengthened governance and the continued development of social care services in the Island.

"I have also worked hard to strengthen the board through the recruitment of local non-executive directors and, despite some delays, these appointments are now in post.

"I came to the Island to work alongside Teresa Cope (Chief Executive) and, following Teresa’s decision to move on at the end of next month, I believe it is also the right time for me to do the same.

"With the Department of Health and Social Care progressing its Governance Review, this is an appropriate moment to allow the next phase of leadership and governance arrangements to be shaped for the future.

"Health and social care services continue to face significant pressures, particularly rising demand and increasing complexity of care. These pressures mean accepting uncomfortable trade-offs or risk instability when expectations exceed capacity.

"However, I have every confidence in the professionalism and dedication of the teams across Manx Care to continue delivering high-quality care for our community. I want to thank them personally for their daily efforts and their expertise."

A timetable for her departure hasn't yet been laid out, although it's understood she'll remain in position until the completion of the ongoing Governance Review into Manx Care.

The Health Minister, Claire Christian, has thanked Professor Reid for her leadership and service: "Her extensive experience and knowledge has been felt across the whole organisation and her commitment to improving standards has been evident throughout.

"Her guidance and support for myself and colleagues during this period has been invaluable and I look forward to continuing to work with her over the coming months as we conclude the Governance Review and take the appropriate steps to consider and appoint a new Chair."