Trades Union Council opposes planned reductions to elective surgery sessions

Union representatives warn of ‘false economy’ and risks to patient care, staff morale, and healthcare equity

The Isle of Man Trades Union Council has voiced strong opposition to proposed reductions in elective surgery sessions, warning they would cause “serious and far-reaching risks” to patient health, staff welfare, and the Island’s healthcare system.

Its statement follows Manx Radio’s coverage of a leaked internal letter from Manx Care management which outlined contingency plans to cut the number of weekly elective theatre sessions from 25 to 20, starting in November, if urgent savings could not be found.

Manx Care has stated there will be no reduction to the number of patients treated, and that the changes focus on increasing productivity within theatre sessions to improve efficiency.

Patient impact

The IOMTUC warns that delays in procedures such as ear, nose and throat, gynaecology, and general surgery risk worsening patients’ health conditions, increasing pain and suffering, and leading to more complex – and more expensive – interventions later.

It says many of those affected are not “non-urgent” in practical terms, but people whose ability to work, care for others, or live without chronic discomfort is already impaired.

Financial concerns

The Council argues the proposals amount to a “false economy”, saying any short-term financial savings could be outweighed by longer-term costs.

It highlights the risk of higher expenditure from emergency admissions, catch-up measures, and the use of agency staff, as well as the potential for reputational damage to the Island’s health service.

Transparency and governance

The IOMTUC also raises concerns over what it describes as a lack of transparent clinical oversight, saying decisions of this scale should be informed by robust governance and input from frontline clinicians and patient advocates.

It echoes the Isle of Man Medical Society’s call for more consultation and says the criteria for selecting affected specialties, prioritising patients, and assessing clinical thresholds should be made public.

Staff welfare and retention

The statement warns that the proposals could worsen workforce pressures, noting that theatre staff, surgeons, and nurses are already operating at or above capacity.

The Council says unpredictable scheduling and service disruption risk demoralising staff and undermining recruitment and retention efforts.

Equity of access

"The pause on off-island referrals until 31 March 2025 unfairly impacts individuals with rare or complex conditions requiring treatment not available on-Island."

The Council questions the implication that such cases may provide “limited clinical benefit”, calling it ‘ethically troubling’.

Call for action

The IOMTUC is urging Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care to reverse the planned reductions, publish the modelling behind the decision, consult with clinical and patient representatives, and focus on recruitment and efficiency measures rather than service cuts.