The leaders of a newly formed health care services body have defended posting a photo online of its first board meeting.

Manx Care is a new statutory body, designed to operate at arms’ length from the Department of Health and Social Care, focused on the delivery of services.

It held its first executive meeting on Wednesday, with chief executive Teresa Cope publishing a photo via Twitter, showing eight people pictured wearing masks around a table.

It was later deleted, following an uproar on social media from those who thought the current lockdown restrictions on gatherings did not permit meetings such as this.

Manx Care said: ’Everyone present wore medical grade PPE throughout the meeting and maintained a safe distance at all times.

’As essential workers, in a health and social care setting, the meeting complied with the island’s Covid-19 regulations.

’I am sorry if this causes any concern but can assure people all appropriate measures were taken. The majority of meetings are held virtually and we will continue to do so until restrictions are lifted.’