Staffing issue causing disruption at breast clinic

The Isle of Man's breast cancer clinic is experiencing "unexpected disruption" due to a staffing issue, Manx Care has confirmed.

The health care body said having a new radiologist in post had been delayed for four weeks due to an emergency absence.

The healthcare provider said alternative plans were being put in place where possible but systems would "not be running as smoothly as we had hoped".

Manx Care said while the issue would be "distressing" for some patients, the team were "working hard to find both short-term and long-term solutions".

The health care provider said about 30 patients who were due to be affected had been contacted and those requiring ultrasound scans would be seen within 10 days.

Temporary cover using locums had been organised for for the remainder of the week, and was provisionally planned for the next few weeks, it said.

In a statement Manx Care said: "As breast radiologists play a vital role alongside other members of the breast team, our service will be severely impacted by this staffing disruption."

It said there was a "significant shortage" of available breast radiologists within the UK, which meant it had been difficult to "recruit someone suitable at short notice".

Anyone concerned or in need of the support of the service should contact their GP and the island's breast care nurse, it added.

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