A public consultation into the future of private health care in the island has been launched.

The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking to gain an understanding into the expectations for those who choose to be treated as private patients in the island.

The hospital’s private ward was closed in January, for a period of up to 18 months, to allow for its refurbishment and a revamp of the service.

People who have used private healthcare are asked their views on the service they received from medical staff, patient facilities and accommodation, and whether their treatment and care offered value for money.

Those who haven’t used private health services in the past are invited to rate factors that might persuade them to seek it in future. The survey also gauges interest in private services not currently offered at the hospital.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said: ’We’re close to finalising this part of the restructure process, having considered with an open mind how best to run private medical services in the future.

options

’Three main options have been fully explored: forming a partnership with a third party provider, continuing to run private services in-house, or outsourcing the operation, in whole or in part.

’There’s been little change in the private ward since it opened in 2003 so the facility itself has to be substantially upgraded. But we’re also looking for long-term growth in private medical services so a thorough, high level review has been crucial.’ Respondents are asked a variety of questions including whether they use private health care and whether this is for medical or dental procedures, whether they decide to use the island’s facilities or travel elsewhere for the services and the standards of care and their room they expect.

Further questions relate to smart TVs, value for money, food and what could encourage people to use private health care services.

There is still no deal in place for an operator to run private health care. The DHSC says a procurement process will begin later this year.

closure

It also said a full refurbishment ’will be commissioned to create a modern facility offering attractive, sustainable private healthcare’.

The department confirmed that a number of parties have been over to the island to look at the area and discuss potential partnerships in the future.

Doctors have been redeployed, where possible, within the hospital.

Mr Ashford added: ’I encourage everyone interested in shaping the future of private healthcare to fill in the consultation questionnaire and share their views, to ensure this landmark project progresses in line with the needs and expectations of the population.’

The consultation, launched yesterday (Monday), is available online at consult.gov.im and runs through until June 17.

The department expects the results to be ready by July 15.

Further changes to the island’s health care system are due to be discussed in Tynwald next month following Sir Jonathan Michael’s review of the system’s funding.