Board member resigns over 'toxic atmosphere'

Annette Baker was the vice chair of the Health Services Consultative Committee

A former Isle of Man head teacher has resigned from her role on a government committee due to a "toxic and adversarial atmosphere".

Annette Baker has stood down from the Health Services Consultative Committee (HSCC).

Sharing her resignation letter with the BBC, she said the health minister had created an "uncomfortable and distressing" environment.

Lawrie Hooper confirmed a complaint had been made and said "resignations were not unexpected" following changes to some regulations.

Ms Baker was the vice chairman of the HSCC, which monitors the performance and quality of health services and governance on the island.

Standing down, she said a bullying complaint against the minister was made in June.

'Entirely inappropriate'

Ms Baker said: "I have found it increasingly impossible to work within the toxic and adversarial atmosphere created in my view by the current Minister for Health and Social Care."

Mr Hooper and his department member "took issue" with the committee's annual report, which they reacted to in an "entirely inappropriate way" at a feedback meeting in June, she continued.

They were "particularly scathing" of her observations of the report, she added.

Ms Baker said the ongoing issues had affected her health and personal life and she was "unwilling" to "subject myself to this stress in my retirement".

Lawrie Hooper said resignations were expected following regulation changes

Mr Hooper said he had expected resignations following changes made to the committee's regulations that "refocused the committee on to patients and service users, and were strongly opposed by some members".

He said the changes "may be uncomfortable for those deeply invested in the previous regime" but he believed they were "in the best interests of the island".

Regarding the bullying accusations, Mr Hooper said "it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment any further at this time".

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan confirmed an independent investigation was under way and a final report was expected by the end of the month.