'Around 30' breast cancer patients affected by service disruption, so far

The health minister has been answering an urgent question on the issue in the House of Keys this morning after Manx Care admitted services would not be running 'as smoothly as hoped' due to staffing issues.

The health body has had a vacant Breast Radiologist post since June 2024, and a covering locum took an 'unplanned, short-term absence' starting on 31 March, expected to last four weeks.

Claire Christian says Manx Care has shared with the DHSC the challenges it's facing in terms of cancer performance - specifically in services for breast cancer patients.

She described the role of consultant breast radiologist as 'pivotal' and the 'key issue' in respect of these challenges.

Minister Christian explained what impact disruption to clinics due to take place yesterday and today has had:

Minister Christian says the affected patients have been contacted.

Impact on Waiting Times

As of 7 April, the average waiting time for the first outpatient appointment was 29 days.

That's outside the 'Faster Diagnostic Standard' set by NHS England which states nobody should wait more than 28 days from the point of referral to finding out whether you have cancer or not.

Longer Term Solution

The DHSC Minister says Manx Care recruited a breast radiologist last month, who will be in post from 'early Summer', subject to the 'usual recruitment processes'.

Onchan MHK Julie Edge says, with '67 patients waiting to be seen', the pressure on the Manx Care breast cancer team is 'enormous for not having a breast radiologist' and questioned what the minister would do if the breast radiologist doesn't return to work at the end of this four-week period.

Minister Christian says Manx Care is 'exploring the need' for a second breast radiologist post to 'ensure continuity in the future', though cited a shortage of available breast radiologists across the British Isles.

You can find the initial statement from Manx Care HERE.
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