The government is moving closer towards appointing an independent regulator of health services in the island - albeit slowly.

Former health minister Kate Beecroft (LibVannin, Douglas South) was keen on the idea of such a role when she was in post.

In the House of Keys, she asked her successor, Health Minister David Ashford, what the latest situation was.

Mr Ashford said ’some’ progress had been made since his last update.

’Following initial contact with regulators of health and social care services across the United Kingdom, the DHSC has established a shortlist of those who would be legally able to conduct regulatory work outside the United Kingdom and also be willing to conduct such work in the Isle of Man,’ he said.

’Discussions are under way with the shortlisted parties - but the Department of Health and Social Care is not yet in a position to consider policy options and then carry out a public consultation.’

In response to a similar question in February, Mr Ashford also referred to discussions with regulators in the UK, but at that point there was no mention of a shortlist.