BMA wants 'independent' inquiry into Manx whistleblower medic's case

The British Medical Association has called for a full inquiry into the Isle of Man government's handling of a whistleblower's employment tribunal.

Chairman Philip Banfield said he was "not satisfied" a Tynwald-backed investigation into Rosalind Ranson's case was "truly independent".

She was unfairly sacked from her role as the island's chief medic in 2022.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said he rejected the union's claims in the "strongest possible terms".

The review into how the government dealt with Dr Ranson's tribunal is being conducted by an independent lawyer, who has the authority to interview witnesses and full access to documents, he said.

Dr Ranson was awarded £3.19m after she was found to have been unfairly sacked after raising concerns key Covid medical advice was not being passed to government ministers.

A separate inquiry is also being held into the Isle of Man's response to the pandemic.

Prof Banfield said the British Medical Association (BMA) believed neither investigation would "uncover the truth" as the union did not "have faith" the Manx government would fully comply.

In a letter to Mr Cannan, Prof Banfield said he had asked the UK justice secretary to consider launching a Commission of Investigation, which would mean witnesses could be compelled to give evidence.

The BMA chairman said Dr Ranson, who was backed by the union during her tribunal, would not take in the review of the tribunal handling or the wider Covid review because of concerns about the disclosure of "key documents" to the latter.

Kate Brunner KC, who was appointed to head that review, said she and her team have had "full access" to government material, and received "frank evidence" from current and former government employees.

She said she was satisfied the "rigorous and independent" process was an "effective way" to investigate the pandemic response.

However, Ms Brunner said she would not hesitate to call for a statutory inquiry if she felt she was "unable to reach sound conclusions on a topic because of the absence of a witness or a document".

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