The new health minister says it is time for an ’informed conversation’ on how to sustain NHS services in the island.

David Ashford was speaking as Tynwald backed the setting up on an independent review of options for service delivery and funding at the cash-strapped Department of Health and Social Care.

During the same session yesterday afternoon, Tynwald voted to authorise an extra £9.5 million being transferred to the DHSC to shore up a projected overspend this year.

Mr Ashford and Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan both insisted that the annual requests for extra funding at the department could not go on.

Just eight days after being appointed as health minister, Mr Ashford said: ’I think we are approaching the time when both Tynwald court and the people of the Isle of Man need to consider the sustainability and durability of our current health and social care model.

’I do not imply any structural shortfall in the department’s budgetary settlement, rather that we need to have an informed conversation with the Island’s communities to understand what people expect from a national health and care service and how we can best deliver on those expectations.

He added: ’I am committed to providing an effective and efficient health and care system in the Isle of Man, one that is sustainable in the long term and fit for 21st Century.

’At the same time, I will insist that we must have the right number of suitably trained and qualified staff in the right places who must deliver care safely while respecting the needs of people and their dignity.’

As the woman he succeeded, Kate Beecroft, listened from the seat next to his in the chamber, Mr Ashford said: ’Our premises and equipment must be appropriate for their purpose and maintained properly.

’We must safeguard people of all ages from abuse. We must have a complaints system which listens to people, investigates their concerns and takes action when problems are found.

’There is room for improvement in all of these areas - and I am concerned that resistance to change and our financial difficulties may hold us back.’