'Rapid review' of bed capacity at main hospital

An independent "rapid review" of bed capacity at the Isle of Man's main hospital is to be carried out after medics raised concerns last month.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the review would be "progressed at pace and with clear focus".

The Medical Staff Committee (MSC) has called for an additional 50 inpatient beds to be added at Noble's Hospital due to a "critical" lack of spaces.

Health Minister Claire Christian said the review would build on the committee and Manx Care's "initial actions to manage and mitigate pressures on hospital bed capacity and ensure services remain safe, high quality and responsive".

Christian said it was an "important step in taking ownership of the challenges we face".

The move will provide "assurance around the proposed mitigations" as well as informing "both immediate next steps and the future long-term strategy to meet the demand across our health and care system", she added.

Measures already being progressed to relieve pressure on services and the 233 beds available in the hospital include the planned opening of a 12-space extended assessment area in the emergency department for patients that needed observation but not admission.

A modular unit will also be set up in Ramsey from mid-May to provide minor injuries unit and radiology services, the department said, with work to relocate Martin Ward back to the northern town's hospital.

Patients using the ward at Ramsey Cottage Hospital - which is ordinarily used for inpatients with varied illnesses as well as those in need of rehabilitation and respite care – were relocated to Noble's in October while pest control issues were dealt with.

Wider refurbishment works at the facility led to other services, including the minor injuries unit, being moved to the larger hospital in December.

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