BMA Calls for UK to Lead Ranson Inquiry

The British Medical Association has called for a UK led public inquiry into the way in which the Manx gov and health service handled the case of Dr Rosalind Ranson.

Dr Ranson was recently awarded £3.2m for being unfairly dismissed for whistleblowing.

The BMA’s Chair of Council, Professor Philip Banfield recently visited the island as guest of members of the Medical Society and to meet with Dr Ranson. While on the island, he spoke out about the state of affairs and said doctors told him of a ‘culture of fear’.

Following this, the BMA said that last week, the Health Minister, Lawrie Hooper, wrote to Professor Banfield expressing ‘concern’ at the issues he raised during the visit and that in media interviews.

It said: ‘Professor Banfield painted a picture in relation to culture on the island that, ‘is at odds with the outcomes from the recent independent inspections undertaken by the CQC and contained within their reports. Lawrie Hooper asked why the BMA had not raised concerns directly with the island’s Government. Laurie Hooper also provided further comments to the island’s media outlets.’

Now in a letter to the Minister, Professor Banfield says that the BMA’s concerns about the handling of the case and feedback from doctors in Manx Healthcare, will be raised with the UK’s Minister responsible for Crown Dependencies.

Professor Banfield said: ‘Given the litany of serious failings of the DHSC and the wider Manx Government, why would the island’s Health Minister not want these issues considered by the Minister with overall responsibility? The BMA understands that a process has been set up by Tynwald to investigate some of these failings, however our concern is the scope and independence of this process and the provisions available to it.

‘As it stands the committee cannot compel witnesses to give evidence, an extraordinary omission given the seriousness of the allegations. In my view, the only possible way forward is a UK-led public inquiry, with powers commensurate to the significance of the situation to the people of the Isle of Man, able to independently hold those responsible to account and consider the wider systemic factors.’

Professor Banfield is planning to return to the Isle of Man in the coming weeks and says he will be seeking a meeting with senior members of the Government and further meetings with leaders of Manx Health. During his last visit, we understand one was planned, but he cancelled it.

We have contacted both Manx Care and the DHSC to ask for a response.