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Surgery lists hit by shortage of specialist staff

Manx Care operating at 'reduced level' for up to six weeks

Operations at Noble's Hospital will be carried out at a 'reduced level' due to a shortage of specialist staff.

Manx Care says elective surgery could be disrupted for up to six weeks as efforts to recruit additional people are 'proving difficult'.

The warning comes following the cancellation of 12 operations earlier this week - over two days - which the health body blamed on new theatre equipment being installed.

Manx Care says it will continue to clinically prioritise all activity to ensure emergency and time sensitive operations – including those for cancer – are prioritised.

Some patients scheduled for future surgery may also be offered the opportunity to have it carried out at UK centres instead.

Chief executive Teresa Cope says the decision to reduce the output hasn't been made 'lightly':

Earlier this week Manx Radio revealed an investigation was being conducted into 'an incident' at the hospital earlier this year.

It followed speculation that a number of anaesthetists had been suspended. 

You can find out more HERE.

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