THE Department of Health has today (Monday) unveiled its strategy for the future of health services in the Isle of Man.

The purpose of the 40-page document is to set a strategic direction for the health services for the next decade.

Under the section about the vision for health services in 10 years it reveals some services will move from a hospital setting to the community.

The document states:

*The Health Services will become a true 'health' service and not just an illness service by shifting emphasis from cure to prevention, screening and earlier intervention

*Health services will be planned and designed around the health needs of the population

*Vulnerable groups of all ages will receive appropriate patient care

*The balance of care will move from hospital to community-based services

*The hospital will change character from its present model of service delivery. Where possible, provision of care will shift to day care, outpatient and community settings, and re-configuration of services will see provision either from the UK or within the Isle of Man, depending on the outcome of reviews

*Emphasis will be on achieving consistent, safe, high-quality care delivered by the most appropriate professional at the most appropriate site using Integrated Care Pathways

*Primary care, including community services, will undertake some of the treatment presently provided by the hospital and will also play a key role in prevention, screening and early detection

*A Health Service which operates within budget through the use of performance audits, robust governance and devolved budget management

*A Health Service which will work with other government departments and outside agencies to ensure maximum improvement in the nation's health

*Wider use of IT will contribute to improving patient care

*Health Services will be managed and delivered within the financial resources available as allocated by each annual Isle of Man Government budget process