Minister says health department must listen to its patients

Claire Christian says patient feedback will be vital to delivering mandate over the next year

The health minister is urging patients to come forward and talk as she says her department must listen to those using its services.

Claire Christian's comments come following a lengthy debate on the health services in this month's sitting of Tynwald, which focussed on this year's mandate and operating plan for Manx Care.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper had asked Tynwald to recognise this year's mandate as inadequate and back calls for Manx Care to produce an updated document by July.

However, Minister Christian received support for her amendment to that motion, which asked Tynwald to consider the documents to be open and transparent, and commit Manx Care to continuing to develop out of hours services and appropriate and consistent care.

There was also backing for Onchan MHK Julie Edge's amendment seeking an audit of Manx Care's services, and Glenfaba and Peel member Kate Lord-Brennan's amendment on funding for Hospice and third sector organisations that provide health services.

Ms Christian says patient feedback is vital: