Staff shortages lead to disruption to Manx breast cancer clinics

The Manx Breast Cancer Unit is based at Noble's Hospital in Braddan

Women waiting to attend breast cancer clinics have had their appointments cancelled by Manx Care due to a lack of consultants.

A spokeswoman for the health care provider said the consultations would be rescheduled with "no more than a seven day delay".

The cancellations have disrupted new referrals and recalls from the routine breast screening programme.

Manx Care has confirmed some patients could be sent to the UK for assessment.

That move, which would apply to patients requiring a follow-up appointment after following a mammogram, could see them sent to the Nightingale Breast Centre in Manchester, the spokeswoman said.

The delay in rebooking cancelled appointments was caused by issues securing "replacement consultants coming from the UK to assist", she said.

Routine screening is offered to women on the island aged between 50 and 70.

Manx Care has confirmed that breast cancer surgery remains unaffected.

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