Isle of Man Health and Wellbeing News

Manx Care urges members of the public to consider weather forecast when planning for tomorrow (27 September 2023)

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 09:10:58 GMT

Manx Care is advising the public to consider the forecasted weather when making plans for tomorrow, 27 September 2023. We would like to inform you that, at present, Manx Care services are intended to operate as usual. However, given the forecast, we urge everyone to exercise the utmost caution and take great care.

A Yellow weather warning is in effect, with the possibility of escalation to Amber on Wednesday 27 September 2023. This indicates an increased likelihood of disruptions, including travel delays, road closures, power cuts, and potential damage to property.

Please consider whether attending the Emergency Department is necessary at this time, or whether waiting until conditions are safer to get the support you need is feasible. However, anyone who requires urgent or emergency treatment at the Emergency Department will receive it, and you should continue to seek treatment there as required.

Stay safe, and take care.

Manx Care publishes 2022 – 2023 Annual Report

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:05:42 GMT

The document covers the period 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, and highlights the successes and challenges faced by the organisation during its second year of operation delivering health and statutory social care services on the Isle of Man. A copy of Manx Care 2022 – 2023 Annual Report is available here.

Interim Chair of Manx Care, Sarah Pinch commented:

'I am delighted that we can share our second Annual Report with the public. We have a clear trajectory which to follow, so that Manx Care can be the best small Island health and social care system in the world. Manx Care has made significant improvements during the last financial year and the exceptional work of our colleagues should be celebrated.'

CEO of Manx Care, Teresa Cope added:

'During the last financial year we have implemented several changes and streamlined many processes to comply with the DHSE’s Mandate. Patients and service users are at the heart of all that Manx Care do and our colleagues should be congratulated on their achievements that have helped us grow in our second year of operation.'

Public Health produces integrated plan for oral health

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:17:47 GMT

The Amalgamated Implementation Plan for Dental Strategy and Oral Health Strategy for Children (0 – 11 years) 2021 – 2026 sets out how different areas of Government will work together to provide a more favourable outcome around children’s oral health in the Island.

The plan sets out specific actions from Public Health, Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care, to ensure a cohesive approach to dental health.

The plan brings together Public Health’s Oral Health Strategy for Children 2021-2026 and DHSC’s Dental Strategy 2020-2025, updated to include all of the recommendations agreed by the Council of Ministers and the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee (SAPRC).

Work planned includes a re-launch of the supervised toothbrushing programme, Smile of Mann, an evidence paper on fluoridation in water and a plan to increase the accessibility of dentists.

The Amalgamated Plan will be reported on regularly and annual updates will appear on the Public Health website. The next step is for the plan to be laid before Tynwald in the October sitting.

Interim Director for Public Health, Professor Hugo van Woerden, said:

‘This is an important step towards addressing the recommendations from SAPRC for oral health in children in the Isle of Man. The amalgamated plan will enable us to work across government and give us the structure to report on progress against each action. We look forward to keeping the public updated.’

The Minister for Health and Social Care, Lawrie Hooper MHK, said:

‘As our Island Plan sets out, we are committed to creating sustainable services for our future. This is particularly important in children’s health. It is vital that government departments work together to address the bigger picture. By aligning our strategies for oral and dental health in our children, we have a stronger foundation to work from.’

Over 2,000 surgeries delivered as part of R&R programme

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:42:46 GMT

Between August 2022 and May 2023 over 2,000 patients underwent surgery for conditions where lengthy waiting lists had been identified as a concern.

Since the beginning of Manx Care’s ‘Restoration and Recovery’ (R&R) programme over 3,000 surgical procedures have now been delivered, more than 1,000 diagnostic tests undertaken and over 1,000 outpatient appointments delivered.

In October 2022 the R&R programme received £18.3 million of government funding to provide a dedicated service to reduce long waiting lists, one of the actions identified in the Island Plan, which had been further impacted by the covid-19 pandemic.

The funding has been used to partner with the UK provider Synaptik to work alongside the surgical teams already based at Noble’s Hospital to increase Manx Care’s existing capacity and introduce additional teams to perform surgeries, treatments and consultations.

Phase two of the R&R programme ran from August 2022 to May 2023, and has successfully continued to reduce waiting times for a number of procedures.

This phase is focused on orthopaedic, ophthalmology and general surgery. As well as surgeries, Manx Care and Synaptik also provided both treatments and consultations.

A detailed update on the programme will be laid before the October sitting of Tynwald, outlining the amount spent, number of surgeries delivered and current waiting times as part of the programme.

The update showcases the success of phase two which has resulted in a 79% reduction in the cataract waiting list, a 37% reduction in the orthopaedic inpatient waiting list and a 23% reduction in the General Surgery inpatient waiting list.

The reduction in waiting times may now fluctuate in the coming months, as the programme moves to its next phase which is treatment for complex patients and those who were unable to accept surgeries on the shorter timetables.

Manx Care continue to work with patients to ensure they are seen as early as possible to maximise the number of patients benefiting from this activity.

The updated figures can be seen on the Tynwald Register of Business.

GP essential training sessions

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:47:46 GMT

GP Practices will be fully closed from 1pm – 6pm on the afternoon of Tuesday 26 September 2023. This will allow for the Practice teams (all clinical and administrative staff) to receive the essential training and development they need to deliver the best possible service and to remain fully trained and up to date with skills.

This means there will be no routine appointments or access for patients to their GP practice during this time.

MEDS (Manx Emergency Doctor Service) will be open and operating from 13:00 on 26 September to provide urgent care. Patients are reminded that MEDS is not a drop-in service and if they need to speak to a doctor about any urgent issues that cannot wait until their GP practice is open again, they should phone MEDS on 650355. Please note that MEDS will not be able to make any routine appointments, request test results or order repeat prescriptions; such requests will need to wait until your GP Practice is open again on Wednesday 27 September. Anyone who thinks they have a life-threatening emergency should phone 999 and ask for the Ambulance Service.

Members of the public are being encouraged to choose well, and attend the health and care setting that is appropriate for their condition. For example, the Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit in Ramsey can treat a broad range of conditions and Community Pharmacies operate the Minor Ailments Scheme. For dental emergencies, patients can access their own dentist or, if you do not have a dentist currently, you can contact the Community Dental Service. There are also a number of options for mental health support. You can find out more about all of these options on our signposting webpage.

Update on Manx Care service provision during planned industrial action this week

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:19:22 GMT

With industrial action by members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on Thursday 14 September 2023 now confirmed, we would like to provide you with an update on the working arrangements that we have put in place across our services on the day. This is based on what we know now, but may change depending on staffing levels on the day.

Strike action will take place for twelve hours on 14 September 2023 (all of the day shift for 24-hour services, and 8am to 8pm for non-24-hour services).

Certain services have been deemed as ‘essential’ by the RCN and will remain open as planned. These include inpatient services at both Noble’s and Ramsey and District Cottage Hospitals, the Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital, the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit, in-patient Mental Health services provided at Manannan Court, some community-based services, Dialysis services and Critical Care provision, alongside maintenance of chemotherapy provision and emergency/trauma surgery. Even if a service is deemed as being essential or there to preserve life, RCN members who work in those services may choose not to attend work during a strike period as part of the mandate given to them by their union.

Most outpatient services will close during strike periods, which we recognise will have a huge impact on many patients. Nurses are critical to Manx Care’s workforce, and difficult decisions have had to be made to ensure safe staffing levels for essential services on these days.

Manx Care remains open to dialogue with RCN members. However, our options remain limited due to our financial constraints and having exhausted our funding envelope. All funding that has been received by the organisation to be used for pay awards has already been used to fund pay awards. Given the current financial position that Manx Care faces, making any further pay offer at this point is not possible and would be in breach of our Financial Regulations. Manx Care is seeking support from DHSC to assist in resolving this matter. We wish to make it clear that we respect and support the decision by RCN members to take industrial action, and equally support the decision of any RCN member working for Manx Care to participate in strike action.

To clarify: The term ‘derogation’ may be used publicly over the coming days. Derogations from the RCN are an agreement to enable colleagues to attend work to ‘preserve life’ without breaking a strike, for example in a service which is deemed as essential (a derogated service) such as the Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital. However, members of a union who work in a service which is deemed as being essential may still choose not to attend work.

Attending planned appointments – Thursday 14 September 2023

A number of services will close on 14 September 2023 due to the strike action, or some will operate on a Christmas Day schedule. However, this may change depending on how many colleagues attend work on the day, resulting in some unavoidable last-minute closures. If you have an appointment booked for this day, you will be contacted by your clinical team if this is going to be cancelled and rescheduled. If you have not been contacted by the end of Wednesday 13 September, please attend your appointment as planned. Please be aware that we may need to cancel some appointments on the day for reasons outlined above, although we will try to avoid this as much as possible.

Urgent and emergency care – Thursday 14 September 2023

The Emergency Department (ED) at Noble’s Hospital will continue to operate 24 hours a day, albeit this may be on reduced staffing levels. People should continue to attend the ED for urgent and emergency care as planned, but use an alternative service for advice and treatment for non-urgent matters such as a Community Pharmacy. Alternatively, they should call 999 for an Ambulance in the event of an emergency or life-threatening situation.

Members of the public are asked to take great care on Thursday, and to do what they can to minimise the chance of an accident occurring, in order to take pressure off the Emergency Department.

The Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit (MIU) in Ramsey will close for the day. People who may have used this service should attend an alternative service which is appropriate for their clinical need.

The Mental Health Crisis Team will operate as normal.

The full list of Manx Care’s urgent and emergency care and community-based services can be found by visiting the Signposting page.

Appointments and service provision – Thursday 14 September 2023

The Blood Clinic at Noble’s Hospital and Ramsey Cottage Hospital will close.

The vaccination programme will pause for the day.

Around 290 face-to-face outpatient appointments have been cancelled, and patients impacted by this are being contacted in the timeframe already outlined. Some virtual appointments will go ahead as planned. If you have a hospital appointment booked for the strike day and have not been contacted to advise this has been cancelled, please attend as planned.

All endoscopy appointments have been cancelled.

All elective theatre sessions have been cancelled. However, there will be some theatre provision for management of urgent, emergency and trauma patients.

Chemotherapy treatment delivered at the Eric and Marion Scott Oncology Day Unit and Haemodialysis treatment will continue as planned.

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service (MCISS) will be open as usual, alongside picking up phone calls on +44 1624 650735, and will respond to emails sent to MacmillanCancerInformationCentre.Nobles@gov.im

In-patient services for Manx Care’s Integrated Mental Health Service provided within the Manannan Court facility at Noble’s Hospital will continue as planned. However, some mental health outpatient appointments will be rescheduled including those provided through the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). The Mental Health Crisis Team will operate as normal.

Maternity appointments will continue to take place, including routine appointments, scans and services provided through the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit at Noble’s. The Jane Crookall Maternity Unit will operate as planned. As usual, if any pregnant woman has any concerns or needs advice, they should not hesitate to contact our Maternity Unit on 650030 where our Midwives will be happy to help.

Paediatric outpatient appointments will be cancelled, however Children’s Ward inpatient services will continue as planned.

The GUM Clinic at Noble’s Hospital, the Fertility Clinic and Family Planning services will close.

Termination appointments will not be available.

Clinics and home visits for both adults and children provided by Manx Care’s Community Nursing Team will be cancelled, unless these are deemed as being critical. District Nurses will carry out essential and clinically urgent interventions only. Other non-essential visits will be cancelled.

The School Nursing and Health Visiting service will not operate on the day of the strike.

The Diabetes Centre on the Noble’s Hospital site will maintain its medically-led appointments. However, its Nurse-led clinics will be cancelled.

Physiotherapy outpatient appointments will continue as normal.

Diagnostic appointments provided through the Noble’s Hospital Radiology Department and Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital (for example X-Rays, MRI, DEXA and CT scans, and ultrasound) and routine breast screenings will continue as normal.

The Island’s GP practices are unaffected by the RCN strike action. This includes Ballasalla Group Practice which is operated by Manx Care. If you have a GP appointment, this will go ahead as planned unless you are contacted by your practice to change this. Please be reminded that the Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS) is for issues that happen outside of core working hours.

Queries or concerns

Please be aware that circumstances may change on the affected day depending on staffing levels. This will only be determined on the day. We would urge people to check Manx Care’s Facebook page (@ManxCare) for any updates, and share details with friends, relatives or neighbours who may not readily have access to social media.

Equally, the Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service (MCALS) will be available to answer any queries you may have via the phone at +44 1624 642642 or via email at mcals@gov.im. The MCALS phone number is a freephone number. The team will be working on extended hours (8am to 5pm) on 13 and 14 September.

Manx Care’s CEO, Teresa Cope, commented:

'We respect and support the decision of any RCN member working for Manx Care to participate in strike action next week. The decisions we have taken with regard to cancelling appointments and closing services have not been taken lightly. However, our nursing workforce is critical to our services, and so industrial action is bound to have a huge impact. It’s vital that we work to maintain safe staffing levels across those services that are deemed as being essential or there to preserve life, particularly access to urgent or emergency care, whilst respecting and acknowledging our colleagues’ right to take industrial action. Anyone with queries about this is encouraged to contact the Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service (MCALS).'

Phenomenal opportunity for Manx psychology graduates

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:02:17 GMT

Psychology graduates are being offered an extremely rare opportunity to train as an educational and child psychologist (TEP), whilst developing their practice in Manx schools.

The opportunity will see one graduate embark on a three-year professional qualification at Nottingham University – fully funded by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC).

The Applied Doctorate in Educational Psychology (DAppEdPsy) will require them to study full-time at Nottingham University for one year, before splitting their time between their studies and working with young people in Isle of Man schools.

The Department is also introducing a series of monthly forums, led by their Lead Educational & Child Psychologist, Jonny Fee, to give potential candidates the best possible chance when submitting their applications in March 2024.

Mr Fee said:

‘This is a rare and exciting opportunity to complete a funded professional qualification. Working with young people is a privilege and I urge psychology graduates to come to the forums and find out more.’

Julie Edge MHK Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘This is a phenomenal opportunity to be supported to complete all the necessary qualifications whilst practicing within a cluster of Manx schools.’

The first forum will be held at University College Isle of Man’s Christory’s Restaurant on 18 September at 4:30pm and anyone interested in attending can email ECP.Team@sch.im

Further information regarding the course requirements can be found on the University of Nottingham’s Applied Doctorate in Educational Psychology (DAppEdPsy) page.

Autumn booster vaccine campaign to begin on the Isle of Man

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:38:33 GMT

The Autumn COVID-19 booster campaign announced by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations (JCVI) will begin on the Island in the week commencing 11 September 2023. The programme will start with vaccinations for older adult care home residents and those who are most at risk.

Aligning with the rest of the UK, the autumn vaccine programme for the Island has been brought forward as a precautionary measure after the identification of COVID-19 variant BA.2.86, which was first detected in the UK on Friday 18 August. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have advised that bringing the autumn programme forward will offer greater protection to those who are at higher risk of serious disease.

Where possible, both COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines will be administered at the same time to offer maximum protection over the winter months.

The following groups will be offered COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines:

those aged 65 years and older
residents in a care home for older adults
frontline health and social care workers
those aged five years and over in a clinical risk group (as defined by the Immunisation Green Book)
household contacts of people with a suppressed immune system
carers aged 16 and older as defined by the Immunisation Green Book
where possible, adults over 18 will also be offered a seasonal flu vaccine at their appointment

Manx Care will contact people with an appointment if their health record suggests they may be eligible. Health and care workers who are eligible can book online via the booking system, or email Vaccinations@gov.im to book an appointment. Frontline health and social care workers can also attend any walk-in session. Walk in sessions will be advertised when the schedule has been confirmed.

Marina Hudson, Interim Executive Medical Director for Manx Care, said:

'COVID-19 and flu can both be potentially serious and even life-threatening for some people. Older people and those with a health condition are at greater risk in the winter months as viruses spread more easily when we spend more time indoors. That’s why it is important to come forward for your vaccination when it is offered to you this autumn and also take steps to stop the spread of illness including washing your hands regularly, letting fresh air in and staying at home if you are unwell.'

You can read a list of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and Seasonal Flu Vaccination 2023/24.

Opportunity to shape Women’s Health Strategy on Island

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:16:36 GMT

Members of the public are invited to have their say on a strategy regarding women’s health on the Isle of Man.

A public consultation is now live on the Government’s Consultation Hub and input from the public is welcome until Friday 20 October 2023.

The consultation, led by Manx Care, aims to determine what women on the Isle of Man feel the priorities in their health and care should be, as well as to learn more about women’s current experiences of their health and care.

The results from the consultation will assist Manx Care in developing its vision for the way it will deliver women’s health services operationally over the next 10 years. Members of the public are reassured that their responses are confidential.

It is key that the views of Isle of Man residents are heard in order to ensure the strategy is reflective of our community.

The consultation is open to everyone over 16 on the Isle of Man , and family members or friends of women are encouraged to answer on behalf of a woman they know if they so wish.

Respondents are asked about their priorities in healthcare, how comfortable they feel speaking with healthcare professionals, where they access healthcare information, and more. In addition, there are opportunities for participants to detail their specific experiences throughout the survey.

Feedback will be analysed by Manx Care, and members of the public will be updated as progress is made.

Isle of Man residents are encouraged to complete the survey via the Consultation hub – open now until 20 October 2023.

Paul Richardson appointed as new DHSC Chief Officer

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:09:34 GMT

Paul Richardson has been appointed Chief Officer (CO) of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Mr Richardson has had a long career in public service, primarily in healthcare and national government policy. He is the former Deputy Director of Strategy for the UK Department of Health & Social Care and was an Incident Director on the UK response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, said:

‘I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Richardson as Chief Officer of the DHSC. Paul’s wealth of experience and expertise makes him a valuable asset and we look forward to welcoming him into the Department. I’ve no doubt he will make a significant and positive impact for health and social care in the Isle of Man.’

Mr Richardson said:

‘I would like to thank the Chief Minister, Minister Hooper and the Isle of Man Government for giving me the opportunity to take up this very important role in a remarkable and beautiful place.

‘I have spent my whole career working in the NHS and as a senior civil servant in national government in the UK. My heart lies in public service, and it will be the greatest privilege to serve the people of the Isle of Man. While I grew up in Lancaster, I have friends and family on the island so I know it well and have visited on many occasions.

‘I look forward to working with the team at DHSC, Ministers, colleagues in Government, Manx Care and other partners to deliver the Government’s vision to provide the community with access to a comprehensive, high quality and fully integrated health and social care system both now and into the future.’

Mr Richardson will be relocating to the island to take up his role in October.

Statement from DHSC and Manx Care regarding Cummal Mooar

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:01:08 GMT

The closure of Cummal Mooar has been put on hold, following further discussions between the Department of Health and Social Care and Manx Care.

This joint decision has been made while conversations continue with Treasury regarding funding for a replacement facility.

Meetings will be held with staff, residents, and their families, over the course of this week to explain the pause, and to provide further detail and give them the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. In addition a Q&A page on Cummal Mooar's situation has been published for those who are unable to attend.

At this point we do not know how long the pause will be, however we are committed to ensuring that everyone is kept up to date as discussions progress.

We understand that this is an anxious time for residents, their families and the colleagues who work at Cummal Mooar and wish to express our sincere apologies for any upset that has been caused.

Fun day showcases positive impact of activity on mental health

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:59:36 GMT

The Brunswick Gardens Fun Day, an annual event organised by Activ4Health (a Givernment referral scheme at the National Sports Centre), successfully showcased the positive connection between physical activity and mental health earlier this month.

The collaborative effort between Manx Sport and Recreation, Next Step (part of the Government's Mental Health Service), and Brunswick Gardens resulted in a diverse range of activities that garnered enthusiastic participation from attendees. From Boxercise and Freestyle Fitness Yoga sessions to arts and crafts stations, the event catered to a variety of interests. Brunswick Gardens added to the experience by providing guided tours of their garden grounds, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Research shows that simple actions like staying active and learning new skills can positively impact mental health.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

‘Events like this play a crucial role in raising awareness about the positive impact of physical activity on health and well-being.

‘This initiative is part of our commitment to provide opportunities which promote and improve health and wellbeing through sport, physical activity, culture, and arts. This is aligned with the Island Plan objective to be an Island of health and wellbeing.

‘I commend the organisers for their efforts in creating an event that not only highlights the benefits of physical activity on mental health, but also fosters a sense of community and engagement.'

Cowley’s Pharmacy closed this Sunday

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:35:31 GMT

Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, Cowley’s Pharmacy (Atholl Place, Peel) will be closed on Sunday 20 August 2023.

This means that there will be no pharmacy cover in Peel on Sunday. Please ensure you have all medication required before this time, or if needed, the following alternatives will be available on Sunday:

Boots the Chemist, 14/22 Strand Street, Douglas – 11am to 4:30pm
Lloyds Pharmacy Shoprite, Victoria Road, Douglas – 10am to 2pm

Cowley’s Pharmacy will be open as usual for the rest of this week (including Saturday), and will open as normal on Monday 21 August.

Notices will be on display at the branch from tomorrow afternoon to ensure patients are aware.

GP surgeries and the Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS) have been informed.

Manx Grand Prix visitors urged to have travel insurance

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:48:45 GMT

Visitors coming to the Isle of Man for the Manx Grand Prix are being reminded to ensure that they have sufficient travel insurance in place prior to arrival.

The majority of people who require health and care support during their stay - including emergency care - will be covered for most (if not all) costs that are incurred under the reciprocal healthcare agreement* that is in place between the Isle of Man and the UK. Visitors that are coming from countries outside of the UK are unlikely to be covered by the reciprocal healthcare agreement, and therefore are generally only entitled to urgent and emergency services free of charge, in line with the provisions of the NHS (Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2011.

All other services, including medicines, diagnostic tests and hospital admission (following treatment in the emergency department), must be paid for. However, there are limited exceptions, which do not require payment, for example treatment for infectious diseases such as Covid-19. In the unfortunate event that an overseas visitor is admitted to hospital, they are expected to provide insurance details or pay for any medical bills prior to their discharge.

Oliver Radford, Manx Care’s Executive Director of Health Services, commented:

'Firstly, I’d like to reassure visitors to the Island that urgent treatment – for example for someone involved in a road accident or who suffers a medical episode – will always be provided to anyone who needs it. Issues such as whether or not that person has adequate travel insurance in place should never delay or prevent urgent treatment being given. However, please ensure if you’re travelling to the Island that you have your own appropriate level of insurance in place – please don’t overlook this important aspect. The reciprocal healthcare agreement does not cover all eventualities which could be very costly for anyone who has an accident or becomes ill and requires healthcare support or treatment, and even more costly for those without insurance in place at all.

'Please also make sure you’ve packed enough prescription medication and any other forms of medicine, tablets or equipment with you before you set off. We want all visitors to enjoy a safe and healthy Manx Grand Prix without having to worry.'

Manx Care’s signposting guide highlights all of the available health and care options to people visiting the Isle of Man, and points them to the most appropriate service to meet their needs. It is available in foreign languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Polish by visiting the Manx Care homepage or the Signposting page. This includes the Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital, MEDS (the Manx Emergency Doctor Service, also based at Noble’s), the Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital (based in the North), access to GP services, support for mental health and wellbeing, Community Pharmacy provision, and emergency dental or optical care. During practice sessions and race days, First Aid will be also be available at a medical unit located behind the Grandstand Minor Injuries Unit.

UK residents may register as a temporary resident with an Isle of Man based GP if their visit to the Island is for more than 24 hours but less than six months. Visitors from outside the UK may register with a GP practice as a private patient and will be expected to pay for any consultation, treatment or prescription at the time of the visit.

* The reciprocal healthcare agreement is restricted to visits of less than six months’ duration. It does not, in all circumstances, include medical repatriation back to the UK, including for people who live in a country where a reciprocal health agreement is in place.

School Nasal Flu Vaccination Programme - Reminder

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 18:30:35 GMT

Parents/Guardians who would like their child to have the Nasal Flu Vaccine are asked to ensure that they submit their consent by Friday 22 September 2023. The School Vaccination team responsible for delivering the Nasal Flu Vaccine Programme will visit all schools from 3 October to 28 November 2023.

This programme is open to children from Reception (Primary School) up to Year 11 (Secondary School).

If parents/guardians have already submitted a consent form, there is no requirement for them to complete another one.

If parents/guardianswould not like their child to be vaccinated, they are asked not to complete a consent form – the team will only vaccinate children for whom they have a completed consent form.

For further information about the flu vaccine please visit gov.im/flu.

You can also access the flu electronic consent form via gov.im.

The School Vaccination Team can be contacted with any further queries at FluVaccinationEnquiries.DHSC@gov.im

Family Planning service temporarily relocates to Noble’s Hospital

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:52:04 GMT

Manx Care’s Family Planning service is temporarily relocating to Noble’s Hospital.

The Family Planning Service, which is currently based within the Central Community Health Centre (CCHC), will relocate to the Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) unit at Noble’s Hospital from Monday 14 August 2023 for a period of three months. The services have been integrated, alongside other Sexual Health services, for the past year.

This means that all contraception clinics booked through sexual health will move to Noble’s Hospital during this time. Please note, GUM appointments will continue to take place at Noble’s. These appointments should remain unchanged, however if there is any change, it will be communicated appropriately.

Patients will receive a text message and follow-up courtesy phone call if their appointment falls after 14 August, to ensure that they know to go to the right location for their face-to-face appointment.

This temporary move is necessary to ensure adequate staffing of the service, increase resilience as well as to provide opportunities for shared learning for colleagues.

We appreciate this may be an unfamiliar environment for patients, however our team is on hand to make patients feel welcome, safe and supported during their appointment, and to answer any queries or concerns they may have. We will be displaying posters in relevant locations to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the change.

You can continue to contact the reception team for all sexual health matters using phone numbers +44 1624 642186, +44 1624 642126 and +44 1624 650710.

Patients and colleagues across Manx Care will be informed as soon as possible regarding the location of appointments from mid-November onwards.

Anyone who has further questions about this change can contact the Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service Team via email mcals@gov.im or on the phone at +44 1624 642642).

MCALS and Patient Transfers host further drop-in session in the West

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:22:42 GMT

The Patient Transfers team and MCALS (Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service) will hold another drop-in session on Wednesday 09 August 2023, to help signpost and support those requiring information about their travel, or enquiries about their care.

The drop-in, which will take place at Western Wellbeing Centre (Peel) from 10am to 12 noon, will allow those who are due to travel off-Island for treatment and need travel information to get support from the Patient Transfers team.

For those who have any enquiries or concerns about their care, or those who need help and don’t know where to start, MCALS will be there to listen and provide advice.

Visitors can also find out more about the Manx Care Friends and Family Test survey, and how they can help to shape services for the future.

Please join us for a chat about our services and how we can help you.

Can’t make it? Drop us a line at mcals@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 642642 and we will do all we can to assist you.

Discussions continue over future of Cummal Mooar

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 18:06:37 GMT

The Minister for Health and Social Care, Lawrie Hooper MHK, is reassuring residents of Cummal Mooar in Ramsey that it remains the Government’s intention to build a replacement facility and that the residential home should remain open whilst this work is underway.

The Minister said:

'I understand the announcement by Manx Care about the future of Cummal Mooar has caused concern for residents, their families and communities in the north of the Island.

'The long-term plan for Cummal Mooar, which is over forty years old, is to construct a replacement facility which will provide modern standards of social care for residents. The estimated cost for a new facility has grown considerably and as the Treasury has yet to approve funding, the original timescale has been pushed back.

“I want to reassure residents that it remains the Department of Health and Social Care’s intention to build a replacement for Cummal Mooar and it is the Department’s position that the facility should remain open while the Department, Manx Care and the Treasury work together to determine a plan for the future.'

MCALS is turning 2!

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:36:47 GMT

The Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service (MCALS) will be celebrating its 2nd birthday on 2 August, and you’re invited! The team will be holding a number of public drop-in sessions across next week – please come along, have a chat and some cake!

MCALS is there if you need advice and support from Manx Care but are not sure where to look for information. In addition, if you have had a positive experience and want to share this feedback, or have any concerns or queries, MCALS can help.

The upcoming drop-in sessions are as follows:

Monday 31 July – Ramsey Town Hall with Northern Wellbeing Partnership, 10am to 12 noon
Tuesday 1 August – Western Wellbeing Partnership, Peel, 10am to 12 noon
Wednesday 2 August – Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 1pm to 3pm
Thursday 3 August – Southern Wellbeing Partnership, Port Erin, 10am to 12 noon
Friday 4 August – Onchan Library, 10am to 12 noon

MCALS was established for an initial trial period in August 2021 as an information and guidance point – somewhere individuals or their representatives could contact if they wanted to provide feedback on health and care services provided by Manx Care, ask questions about available treatments or seek guidance and support from health and social care professionals. It would also be a starting point for anyone who wasn’t sure where to look for information or access what they needed.

It proved to be an integral part of Manx Care, and was established as a permanent service in 2022. The team works hard each day to monitor patient and service user feedback, highlight emerging trends and address these in order to drive positive change across Manx Care.

If you are unable to make it to the drop-in sessions in person, MCALS is available on +44 1624 642642 or MCALS@gov.im

Safety alert issued for potentially harmful drug

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:33:49 GMT

A warning is being issued for a potentially harmful illegal recreational drug in the UK. This follows an increased number of overdoses, with some deaths, due to the use of Nitazenes, a group of potent synthetic opioids. There is no evidence of Nitazenes in the Isle of Man to date.

Nitazenes have been identified previously in the UK but their use has been more common in the USA. Their potency and toxicity are uncertain but perhaps similar to, or more than fentanyl, which is about 100 time that of morphine.

The UK’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has issued a National Patient Safety Alert for the drug. Public Health Isle of Man would like to give a message of warning to people in the Island who use drugs, particularly heroin.

Director of Public Health, Professor Hugo van Woerden said:

‘We would like to advise people who may come into contact with Nitazenes of the dangers it could cause and to remind people of the signs of overdose which include: decreased levels of consciousness, shallow or irregular breathing – including periods where breathing may stop, slow heart rate which can cause cardiac arrest.'

The advice is to look out for each other and if someone is suspected of someone has overdosed, call 999 immediately and administer Naloxone if you have it. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and saves lives. It is available in the Isle of Man to anyone who is at risk or knows someone at risk of an opioid overdose. You can find out more at gov.im/naloxone

Advice and treatment for drug or alcohol dependency is available from the Drug and Alcohol Team (DAT) on +44 1624 617889. DAT is a confidential service for anyone who is concerned about their drug use.