A draft of a new Charter, which sets out the commitments of providing a National Health and Care Service in the Isle of Man, has been published.

The public is being invited to comment on the Charter as part of a consultation which will run until 12 September.

The Charter sets out the Department of Health and Social Care’s pledges as well as detailing how the public can help ensure the success of the National Health and Care Service, making rights and also responsibilities clear.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said: “The Charter serves as the foundation of a new National Health and Care Service – a move from simply having a National Health Service.  It is a platform to drive the integration of health and social care services, in line with the DHSC’s five year strategy, to ensure that the public benefit from a seamless and joined-up experience.

“The Charter is a fundamental declaration of what the NHCS seeks to achieve and how the Department, employees and the public need to work together to make this a reality.

“The Charter will be reviewed at least every five years and is subject to Tynwald approval.  I hope people will take time to review the proposed Charter and submit their comments.”

The Charter is a requirement of the National Health and Social Care Service Act 2016, which received Royal Assent last July and will replace the National Health Service Act 2001.

Further information is available online at consult.gov.im.