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As someone who spent some time as an in-patient, the care by the nursing and auxiliary staff is exceptional, often doing a thankless task. What I would say is Professor Dr Ashford MBE likes to play the expert, but he was in a position to both influence both recruitment and finance, which he did nothing as both DHSC Minister and Treasury Minister. . To come out now with his comments is sickening really. Is he advocating that if an experienced nurse from the Philippines or Africa, that HR not recruit them, to prevent a brain drain from their country?

Sadly, Professor Dr Ashford MHK, chief know it all, should have handed back his MBE, especially as he loves Morals …………..I think the only ones he probably likes are Morels on his plate. The same applies to ex CM Howard Quayle CBE who is equally responsible for the state of the island.

I see Professor Dr Ashford MHK has been on the NPM this morning asking for the island to adopt the health recruitment code of practice - whereby not recruiting staff from poor countries, thereby depriving them of talent (brain drain). At this moment in time the island is desperate for quality staff especially nursing and medical. The island is reliant on recruiting from many countries, without which playing pious and morality games isn’t really the time. Also it’s rather galling Professor Dr Ashford MHK doning his moral hat, especially when he himself contributed to the mess within the Manx Healthcare system, has been found wanting in the Ranson Tribunal, and ultimately resigned, but only after public pressure.

Just a thought …………….. did the organisers of the Foodie Market do any research before putting in a planning permission? Did anyone speak to Starship Enterprise? Maybe they did, and also MHKs, and maybe the response from them was positive and they were led to believe that they would get permission?

From the NPM, the Foodie Village is relocating to Castletown. Will people go there? Food village will go ahead after planning disappointment Castletown has come to the rescue of a 'food village' which had been planned for St Ninian's in Douglas over TT before the application was rejected. The Manx Food Market Traders Association (MFMTA), which runs the Douglas Foodies Market events on North Quay, is behind the venture. BBC Isle of Man reported the application was rejected due to 'concerns over increased traffic, parking issues, noise, odour and the effect on the existing food offering at the grandstand during the period.' MFMTA Chair James Quayle says he's delighted the village will be able to go ahead, and is very grateful to those who've made it happen:

Where? Nobles Park?

Steam Packet rebuttal machine in action responding to the Which survey, reported in the NPM - Poll undertaken in December 2023 The Steam Packet has responded to a Which? survey which suggested it was the worst-rated domestic ferry service of 2024. The UK consumer champion Which? scored the company's satisfaction levels at 56 percent, highlighting poor facilities, the number of cancellations and fare prices. A Steam Packet spokesperson says the poll of just under 2000 people was undertaken in December 2023, in the middle of the worst weather there's been for a number of years, and when the live aboard discussions were ongoing. They also point out Steam Packet journeys are classed as short international voyages between the Isle of Man and the UK/Ireland, rather than domestic services as outlined in the Which? Survey which has an effect on the regulation and operation of the Company’s services. This is the full statement from the Steam Packet to Manx Radio: "The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is committed to providing a sustainable, reliable, and high quality service for Island residents and tourists. We take our responsibility of providing a vital lifeline ferry service for the Isle of Man very seriously. We always take on board customer feedback, with an example being with the design of the flagship Manxman, where we asked the Manx public via a major survey (c.8,500 responses) for their input on what is most important to them in a ferry service. Manxman is rightly considered the most modern ferry currently operating in the British Isles and offers increased capacity, and high level of facilities and comfort, for Island residents and visitors in the largest, and most well-equipped vessel we’ve ever had. The impact of the Manxman can also be seen in our Q1 figures which show a 21% increase in passengers travelling with the Steam Packet Company compared to 2023. Almost 70,000 passengers travelled with the Steam Packet Company in Q1 of this year, in comparison to almost 57,000 passengers that travelled over the same time period last year. The transportation of essential freight also saw a 7% increase. And with TT coming up, we are looking forward to another strong year, with more passengers booked to travel over this year’s TT period compared to last year. The uplift in passengers and freight is notable, despite more disruptions due to the increased adverse weather conditions, silting and storms we have experienced recently. We offer a variety of fares starting from just £26 for a foot passenger, as well as discounted fares on all sailings, except during TT, to accommodate all passenger price points. We would remind passengers that the best fares are available for earliest booking. Our flexible pricing model offers the best value for passengers compared to other forms of transport, as it allows passengers booking in advance or on quieter sailings to take advantage of our special discounted offers. Other Irish Sea ferry operators use a similar pricing model, and in comparison to other ferry operators and airlines, the Steam Packet offers very competitive pricing. As agreed with the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) in the Sea Services Agreement (SSA), we offer a minimum of 350,000 seats at 25% discount, and 100,000 at 50% discount annually. In 2023, over 70% of bookings were made using discounted offers. These provisions are a minimum requirement of the SSA which we are proud to regularly exceed. In accordance with the SSA, increases in standard fares are capped at a maximum of the annual Manx Consumer Prices Index. In March this year, we were pleased to reach a fair and positive agreement with the Nautilus union which represents our Officers, resolving the key issues regarding working practices that require Officers to live aboard the company’s fleet at times. Beyond complying with the safety management system, living aboard allows for more flexibility and resilience, and a reduction in the number of cancellations, providing a stronger lifeline ferry service for the Isle of Man. Our commitment to providing a high quality, reliable, and sustainable service can be shown in the Company's 2024 Business Plan, which was published in April and is available for everyone to view on our website. The Business Plan outlines the Company's goals of putting the customer first, operational excellence, reliability of service, and an environmentally sustainable service, as well as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) around schedules and capacities, reliability, punctuality, and fares to ensure the Company is operated as effectively and efficiently as possible whilst meeting the needs of island residents and visitors, in accordance with the SSA. In addition, last year, we delivered a fleet strategy proposal to the DOI that we believe will ensure the Company’s success in delivering what our customers and shareholders expect of us."

Could? That’s asking a lot ……………. IOMG will do nothing. They will let people and businesses suffer.

Secret? The site of SARC is opposite the Nobles Hospital site, I think on the old Mannin Infirmary site. Hardly discrete. You can see the hoardings. That site should have been used for social housing. At least with the Crookall Centre it’s in a discrete location, tucked away off the road.

They won’t create a dedicated suite at the hospital, as the politicos and civil servants will say it’s not up to standards. Beside the Home Affairs and Justice Secretary of State Minister Poole-Wilson likes her cheesy grin in the newspaper. The old Nobles site could have accommodated what was required. Still we can look on the bright side ……………. an excuse for a Royal visit to unveil a plaque.

Totally agree. It’s not the subject matter I have concerns about, it’s the fact that the island already has a SARC, newly created within the last two years based at Crookall Centre in Kensington Road, Douglas. Why does it require a newly built and probably larger building be constructed, especially in these financially challenging times, and that’s not to mention the costs of manning the facilities. The usual well versed phrase used by IOMG is ‘not up to standards’. I thought Crookall Centre had money spent on it when it opened in 2021., presumably it is up to standards?

Priceless comment from Minister Hooperman, which speaks volumes as to his thinking, attitude and no doubt his COMIN think similarly. This is why the island is screwed. From the newspaper. The vote to grant leave to introduce the bill was backed by 20 of the 24 MHKs. Although he voted in favour of the Bill, Health Minister Lawrie Hooper raised concerns about the increased workload for the Department of Health and Social Care. He said: ‘I just wanted to flag that if you're going to bring more private member's Bills through that are going to impact on my department and my very stretched workforce, I'm going to have to hire a lot more of them.’ Ms Faragher will now begin to draft the legislation for the Bill.

I haven’t said there is no need for this facility, and in reality this facility already exists in Central Douglas, utilising a former GP practice. In true IOM style, it’s not up to standards etc, hence their decision to splurge £££ms on an all singing and dancing 24/7 centre. Maybe the old hospital site on Westmorland Road could have been utilised, at a greater saving to the taxpayers?

Following in the family tradition is Sarah Maltby Douglas South MHK, daughter of Ex Minister David Cretney, who has shared with the newspapers readers her top 10 favourite tunes. Enough said.

From the NPM Facility expected to cost £3.3m Building work on the Isle of Man's dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is now underway. The facility is expected to cost £3.3 million pounds and is due to open in May next year. The Department of Home Affairs says it will transform the way victims of sexual assault access medical care, treatment, wellbeing and forensic services. Once operational, the centre will be equipped to respond to calls 24/7 and be run by medical professionals, with victims able to self-refer themselves to the service without involvement from the Police. Unless I am mistaken, isn’t there a Sexual Assault Referral Centre called The Crookall Centre based at the former doctors surgery on Kensington Road? For the record I have no problem with Crookall Centre, what does concern me is a new building which is estimated to cost £3.3million, but in this economic climate will most likely go well overbudget and schedule. Thats even with the Capital Projects Unit Board being involved. Does the island need such a dedicated facility of this magnitude, unlike a large town in the UK, where sexual assaults are committed by many people on a daily basis. Where it is being built could have been used for very much needed social housing or FTB housing, or even more staff accommodation for Nobles, to try to attract higher quality medical professionals.

Sounds like can kicking. Starship Enterprise wouldn’t care less for the MFMTA …………… like it cares for hospitality, pubs, restaurants and cafes.

What’s the difference between this and the Food Festival held in the Villa Marina Gardens in September? Is it the Food Festival is controlled by IOMG?

It sounds to me that there is no joined up thinking within IOMG, no clear directions and clueless. This planning application was well advertised, and ideas, and suggestions along with practical help could have been provided to the Manx Food Traders, like your suggestion.

The Peoples Prince, Onchans Saviour

Would it have caused any problems over a two week period? It may have trod on some toes, and caused competition? Would permission have been granted if there were no food trucks, and only traders selling chocolates, food products and artisan gifts like candles?

Which politico is in charge of Planning?

Cheaper? I thought it was small local Manx products, like handmade chocolates and artisan food products. Jason Moorehouse MHK at the last Tynpotwald questioned about a shop local campaign. Tell that to planning,

I thought that the foodie village was the same as the foodie market on North Quay, with artisan companies making and selling homemade chocolates etc. For something that is only for two weeks - temporary not permanent, says something about the decision making on this island. Unless there are ulterior motives at play?

When I go to Palatine Health Centre, in the foyer before you go in to reception, there are facemasks and hand sanitizer on a table. Could sanitary products be put there as well or a dispenser afixed on the wall? Granted some people will probably take them even if they could afford, but it would probably work out cheaper than legislating? Would chemists be expected to provide, which clashes, as many chemists stock a wide range of sanitary products?

I see Joney Faragher MHK got her motion passed on the floor of the House of Keys yesterday. Why it needs costly legislation, and parliamentary time and resources, is anyone’s guess. The Department of Health and Social Care will be administering, in healthcare and educational settings. As well as being costly to implement, as with IOMG traditions, it will no doubt create layers of bureaucracy and job opportunities, Period Products and Condom Manager? A serious topic, but it doesn’t require legislation but joined up working approach between DESC, DHSC and Manx Care using existing resources, without overburdening the taxpayers, and creating mini empires.