Tynwald Members were provided with a comprehensive insight into what goes into running Noble’s Hospital last week.
On Tuesday 3 October, many MHKs and MLCs attended an all-day showcase event organised by the hospital management team.
Its aim was to explain in detail the services provided at the hospital, the challenges faced by staff and volunteers on a daily basis, and aspirations for the future delivery of healthcare in light of an aging population and further medical advances.
The Department of Health and Social Care last year exceeded its budget by £11.1m and faces mounting pressure to bring spending under greater control at the same time as maintaining services.
Presentations were made by senior managers, doctors, medical and healthcare staff, and support workers and were categorised by division: surgical; medical; cancer services; women’s and children’s; diagnostic (radiology, pharmacy and pathology); patient safety and quality; and core services.
Between presentations, the attendees were invited to meet staff from around the hospital, who had set up stands and interactive demonstrations in the foyer area, to discuss in more depth the range of services provided.
Interactive sessions were also staged, allowing Members to witness junior doctors undergoing medical simulation and resuscitation training.
Minister for Health and Social Care Kate Beecroft MHK said:
‘The showcase was a great success and I am proud of all the staff involved - the passion they have for their work was clear to see for all those who attended.
‘It is important for the Island’s politicians to understand what goes into providing hospital services in challenging conditions and I know many will now be able to make far more informed decisions.’
Ralph Peake MHK said:
‘The event was very well-organised and informative, and it was fascinating to hear from the people involved. It was particularly interesting to learn the ways some would wish to develop services in their areas.
‘Of course, how healthcare is delivered in years to come depends on cost and how budgets are allocated – and Tuesday provided a great opportunity to be better equipped in making decisions going into the future.’
Interim Director of Hospital Services Mike Quinn said:
‘Noble’s Hospital touches the lives of every person in the Isle of Man, but few get to scratch the surface and take a look at the range of services available and what goes into providing them.
‘I hope the Members who chose to attend on Tuesday feel the event was a useful exercise, and thank everyone who took part for their hard work.’
Noble’s Hospital in numbers
1,200 – staff employed, including 60 consultants, 14 visiting consultants, 800 nursing and midwifery staff and 160 allied health professionals
16,600 – trips to the UK 2016-17, including 10,500 patient journeys, costing £3.5m. 90% of journeys are to Liverpool, 58% of journeys are with an escort.
470 – Air Ambulance transfers 2016-17
360,000 – number of requests received by the Pathology department last year
2,000,000 – number of tests undertaken by the Pathology department last year
30,759 – number of patients seen in Emergency Department last year
50,953 – number of outpatient clinic appointment slots provided
3,960 – number of patients who did not attend outpatient clinic appointment slots
1,196 – number of cancer referrals received and managed
3,275 – treatments prepared in the past year by the Pharmacy Aseptic Services Unit, around 45 treatments each week
£1 to £5,000 – Range of cost for drug item per dose
8 hours to 7 days – Range of shelf life for drug items
Department of Health and Social Care Member Jason Moorhouse MHK takes part in an interactive demonstration, guided by Air Ambulance Lead Nurse Graham Lloyd-Brandrick.
MHKs and MLCs watch a session on resuscitation training.
Junior doctors pictured with MHKs and MLCs after taking part in a medical simulation exercise at Keyll Darree Training Centre.
