Driving licence concerns for diabetes patients

Delays to licences being countersigned

Diabetes patients have contacted Manx Radio, saying delays to having their driving licences countersigned are having an impact on their lives.

We've now been told both type one and type two patients are affected.

One lady who contacted us has waited two months, is currently therefore unable to drive, and has been given no indication as to when the matter will be dealt with.

Another is desperate for hers, as she works as a delivery driver, and fears she could lose her job.

A type two patient has emailed us to say he's been waiting four months for his, and has criticised the clinic for its poor communication.

The countersigning needs to be done by the consultant from the diabetes clinic at Noble's Hospital.

A statement from Director of Hospitals Mike Quinn yesterday said a locum has been covering this position, and has been reviewing all the patients' cases, to make sure they're being controlled as they should be.

However, it's understood the regular consultant, Dr Khan, has had his suspension lifted, following a court judgement yesterday.

GPs used to be allowed to countersign a diabetes patient's licence, but this is no longer the case, with one patient telling Manx Radio they've never been given a  reason for this change.

It's believed some procedures were tightened following an inquest into the death of four Laxey pensioners in a car crash last year.

If you've been affected by this and would like to speak to Manx Radio about it, email newsroom@manxradio.com or call the newsroom on 682630.