The chief executive and deputy chief executive of the Department of Health and Social Care have resigned.

In a statement issued today - at 4.55pm just before the Bank Holiday weekend - the government announced that Dr Malcolm Couch and his deputy Michaela Morris had left their roles.

Their departure comes as Tynwald awaits a final report of a review of the island’s healthcare system by Sir Jonathan Michael which is due to be presented later this month.

The government said Dr Couch, who was appointed chief executive in June 2015, had ’decided the time is right for him to pursue new opportunities’.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford MHK said: ‘I thank Malcolm for the dedication and enormous hard work that he has given to the DHSC, and wish him well for the future.

’I would also like to thank him for the help and support he has provided to me personally during my 15 months as Minister.’

Michaela Morris joined the newly-merged department in September 2014.

Mr Ashford said: ’I would like to thank her for her dedication, all the help and support she has provided to me personally during my time as Minister and the enormous hard work she has given to the DHSC. I wish Michaela well for the future.’