Audiology drop-ins suspended after too many attend

Drop-in clinics for patients with hearing impairments have been "indefinitely suspended" due to too many people attending at the same time.

Manx Care said the decision had been taken as "demand has exceeded capacity" at the twice weekly sessions at Noble's Hospital leading to some having to be turned away.

Moving to an appointment only system "until further notice" would "help manage demand more safely" and make sure patients could access the services in a "planned and effective way".

It is the second time the drop-in sessions have been suspended over crowding fears. The services were previously moved to pre-booked appointments in mid-December for three weeks.

Manx Care said, from Monday, patients attending the clinics without an appointment – which can be booked by phone or email – would not be seen.

The healthcare provider said a review of how services were delivered, including clinic arrangements and referral pathways, was under way to "improve patient experience and ensure services are used appropriately".

Hear2Help Basic Hearing Aid Repair clinics, run by volunteers, will continue to be held in locations away from the main hospital.

They are held at Ramsey Cottage Hospital on Wednesday, Thie Rosien in Port Erin on Thursday, and Peel's Western Wellbeing Centre on Friday, with all sessions running between 09:30 BST and noon.

Patients have been asked to check sessions are running in advance as they could be cancelled at short notice.

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