Patients with shoulder issues won't have to travel off-Island as frequently

New pathway designed to reduce UK appointments

Patients undergoing treatment for shoulder problems are now able to have more of their medical care on the Isle of Man.

Dedicated outpatient clinics are taking place at Noble's Hospital which sees on Island clinicians working collaboratively with Professor Monga.

He’s the consultant orthopaedic shoulder surgeon at Wrightington Hospital which is a specialist referral centre for orthopaedic problems.

Manx Care says it provides an ‘excellent educational opportunity’ for its team to gain valuable clinical experience and will benefit patients who won't have to travel to his clinics.

Patients will see Professor Monga in Douglas for their initial appointment, and follow-up, rather than having to travel off-Island.

Resulting surgery will still be undertaken in the United Kingdom.

Professor Monga said: "Over the years I have been involved in managing many patients with shoulder problems from the Isle of Man.

"The arrangement often involves multiple visits for consultations before and after surgery.

"Apart from the inconvenience of travelling such arrangements may significantly affect the wellbeing of patients and carers, leading to reluctance in seeking health care, and it has clearly not been a viable solution for sustainability reasons.

"We hope these clinics would address these issues while continuing to provide high standards of surgical care at Wrightington Hospital."

The initiative is a joint venture between Manx Care and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust to improve the pathway and patient experience specifically for Isle of Man patients.