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Appointment system fails on follow-ups

150 endoscopy patients left waiting

The Health and Social Care Minister has apologised for a blunder which meant more than 150 Island patients failed to receive follow-up endoscopy appointments.

However, Kate Beecroft insists the decision to swiftly relocate all endoscopy procedures to Noble's Hospital was the right call.

Mrs Beecroft told Tynwald this morning that all affected patients had now been allocated follow-up slots. 

The Minister told the court that the average waiting time for a routine appointment - 33 weeks - was 'wholly unacceptable' and she believes the move to Noble's should lead to a dramatic reduction within a year.

She also acknowledged the need to improve relations, particularly with staff and supporters of Ramsey Cottage Hospital where some of the procedures were carried out until recently, and the way the news was communicated.

Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Baker claimed there had been an 'inept level of communication' with staff and patients.

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