Public invited to hear about future of health and social care services

A series of roadshows, beginning next week, will give the public the opportunity to learn more about plans to develop the Island’s health and social care services over the next five years. 

The roadshows, which will run in the north, south, east and west of the Island, are part of the work to implement the Island’s health and social care strategy, which was approved by Tynwald at its October 2015 sitting. 

Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said:

'Our strategy will guide us over a five year period, but it covers what we want to achieve at a high level.  Everyone that I have talked to is interested in more detailed plans, and this is what we will start to cover at the roadshows.  

'All of us in the Isle of Man have a stake in our health and social care services and their future, so the involvement of the community is crucial.  As we finalise our set of plans for the 2016/17 financial year we want the public to have the opportunity to put forward their ideas and suggestions about what is most important to them in this first phase.' 

The roadshows will consist of a presentation by the Minister and the Department’s Chief Executive Dr Malcolm Couch.  Following this, attendees will have the opportunity to talk to the Minister, political Members and senior officers of the Department, exploring five stands, one for each key theme of the Department’s strategy: 

• Prevention
• Community care that works
• Acute care
• Safeguarding people
• Residential care 

The Minister continued:

'Our plans represent the biggest change to health and social care for a generation, as we address growing demand against finite resources.  I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to one of our roadshows to learn more and help shape the future.'

Anyone who would like further information about the roadshows can contact the Department by telephone on +44 1624 642625 or by emailing dhsc@gov.im.