Health Minister Claire Christian has been under fire this week for telling Tynwald there’d be no cuts to health services and then cuts being announced. The beleaguered Minister rejects suggestions that she had misled Tynwald and the public, and gives her perspective on why leaking the withdrawn media release announcing health cuts misled the public. What message does the Minister have to those who’ve had treatments cancelled? Will we hear an apology? You might be surprised by the answer.

January Tynwald saw some interesting business transacted including Strategic Air Services, a new government recruitment framework mechanism, and an announcement that the Drs industrial action had been averted. It was at times though quite fractious and government almost lost the vote on the removal of MiCard for pension and benefit payments. Several items were withdrawn from the Order Paper including two from Lawrie Hooper, and the local economy strategy came in for some criticism. Real change or more deck-chair rearranging? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Doctors employed by Manx Care are planning to take industrial action primarily to achieve a 12.5% pay increase. A ballot last month showed 95% of the 121 doctors who voted supported the move as they feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously enough. They tell Perspective why they are threatening this unprecedented action and they don’t hold back on their views about Manx Care’s leadership. That’s Perspective this Sunday at 12 noon on Manx Radio with me Phil Gawne. If an apple a day keeps the Doctor away I expect the Health Minister has been eating lots of apples this week.