The BMA has seen sobering results from the ‘Culture of Care Barometer’, which gathers feedback from doctors about their workplace experience at Manx Care. The barometer was designed by the NHS and King's College London on behalf of the Island’s doctors and was sent to all doctors directly employed by Manx Care, 155 in total. This is the third time similar surveys have been given to this group of doctors. 

The results reveal a lack of confidence in management, a poor culture, and overall low morale. Of those who responded to the survey, only 15% would recommend Manx Care as a good place to work, and 81% disagreed with the statement “Manx Care has a positive culture”.

Doctors feel over-stretched and under-resourced, with 67% believing they do not have the resources they need to do a good job, and only 20% agreeing that they have sufficient time to do their job well. 

77% of respondents to the survey disagreed that Manx Care managers know how things really are, and only 9% believe that the trust listens to staff views, showing real concerns with leadership. In addition to this more than half strongly disagree that Manx Care values the service doctors provide.

Only 17% are proud to work at Manx Care, and only 15% would recommend working at Manx Care demonstrating just how poor morale is. 

In a free text section of the survey, one doctor said, “Senior managers need to come and follow a shift on Monday morning in theatres to experience how the system is failing patients." 

Another said: “Doesn't matter. No one is going to listen. It's pointless mentioning anything." 

Chair of council of the BMA, Professor Phil Banfield said: “I’ve heard repeatedly over the last two years from doctors on the Isle of Man just how deeply frustrated they are at work, so these results are no surprise to me. The culture that doctors work in is intrinsically tied to the quality of care they are able to give, so these results should concern us all. The BMA is committed to working with Manx doctors to help them organise and advocate for themselves in their workplace – we hope the management of Manx Care are ready to work with us.” 

Chair of the Isle of Man Medical Society, Dr Prakash Thiagarajan said: “Following previous barometer of care surveys we’ve been hopeful that poor results could act as a catalyst for change, but after this third set of results showing that doctors are frustrated, overworked, and crucially, don’t feel listened to, we’re losing faith that Manx Care has the will to change things.  We hope to be proven wrong, for the sake of doctors who deserve better working lives than this – and for patients on the Isle of Man who must receive the best care possible.” 

Ends.

Notes to editors

• The survey was sent to 155 doctors
• There were 83 respondents. The response rate was 52%
• See attached PDF for more detailed breakdown of the questions and responses

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.