Manx health service funding 'not sustainable', says health minister

The island's main hospital will undergo an independent review in November

Funding for the Isle of Man health service is "not sustainable" in the long term, the health minister said.

David Anderson said health costs were escalating because of increased life expectancy, higher expectations and advancements in medical services.

The government said it would consider means-testing in some areas but refused to be drawn on specific options.

Isle of Man Chief Minister Allan Bell said a debate was needed on the way forward.

Mr Anderson added: "We have to look at different ways of funding this service. There are no easy answers and we are looking at other jurisdictions to see how they deliver.

"It's not going to be done overnight but we have to start planning for the future - and means-testing in some areas is something we are looking at."

While the island's health service receives £138m from central government, its total spend will be in the region of £178.4m.

'Cost analysis'

The remaining cash - about £40m - is generated from income such as National Insurance contributions, prescription charges and private patient fees.

The health department was one of only two government departments to see a budget increase in 2013, up around 2.5% from 2012 to £138m this year.

Out of this year's total budget, about £80m is expected to be spent on Noble's hospital.

MHK for South Douglas, Kate Beecroft said things were clearly going wrong with the current model.

"The bill for the Manx NHS is escalating and there needs to be a cost analysis done. It may be that some of the things we offer on the island would be cheaper and more efficient to offer at a UK hospital- it is difficult to know without all the information," she said.

"The most important thing is that people get the right level of care from the right person at the right time - and of course this service is free.

"I do not think that changing the system needs to mean privatisation."