IOMPA'S Response to DHSS Consultative Document
31st July, 2009.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE IN THE ISLE OF MAN: YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO INFLUENCE FUTURE POLICY
Summary
This is a very poor document.
Its purpose is clouded in generalisation without good information to assist.
A matter as massive, technically demanding and organisationally all embracing as this document is supposed to address cannot be analysed by asking the public to give their particular narrow perception - however well intentioned.
Unless this is a planned public exercise by the DHSS - hoping to bring in the public for their own purposes, (ie. we have asked their opinions, etc.) then the judgment of the department is, in our view, somewhat in doubt.
Criticism
There is no relevant overview of the relevant facts that determine one's lifestyle.
The critical fact is simply personal finance in old age. All reports of social, medical and mental health worldwide in the developed countries throughout life generally - let alone in old age - are related to "lifestyle" and lifestyle is determined by personal finance. Personal finance as we all know determines - eating habits, nutrition, home warmth, relative freedom from many worries to meet day to day living costs, house maintenance, etc. The simple basic requirements is to provide ALL with a quality of independent healthy existence in their later years.
It is sadly noteworthy that the matter of State aid in old age enjoys a two part discriminatory system in the Isle of Man.
A promise made by Tynwald in the 1960's to safeguard the future of their invited and encouraged residents via state financial aid in old age has been reneged on. Present residents who have made payments in the Isle of Man, which are less than the 10 year qualification, a product of retrospective legislation since they enjoy no such benefit, as other pensioners do, regard their contributions as being misappropriated if not actually pseudo stolen by government.
It is noteworthy that the matter of Pension and Pension Supplement is specifically avoided.
The statements:
1. To ensure equality of treatment and fair treatment for all.
2. To raise the standard of living of all the people on the Island through the ongoing development of a successful economy and the sharing of its benefits with all in the community. (Extracts taken from the DHSS Service Delivery Plan 2009) Are not being honoured.