Isle of Man Government News

GP practices impacted by patients not attending booked appointments

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 12:31:05 GMT

From April 2021 to March 2022, the equivalent of 48 GP appointments per day were wasted due to patients not attending booked appointments across all 11 practices on the Island, with this financial year appearing to show similar results.

Manx Care acknowledges that a number of patients are experiencing difficulties getting an appointment with their GP. This is also a problem across the UK and is a result of a number of factors, including recruitment issues and high vacancy factors amongst GPs and Practice Nurses, the number of people living longer with long-term conditions, and the large number of patients failing to attend their booked appointments. This is a huge concern to our surgeries – it is seriously impacting their services, and is a waste of clinical time and money. This in turn affects other patients who then have to wait longer for appointments.

The total number of patient “did not attends” (DNAs) from April 2021 to March 2022 was 12,444. The cost of this to Manx Care was approximately £472,872 (based on £38 average cost for each GP appointment – in line with the NHS England/Kings Fund estimation on cost of a nine-minute appointment). The highest number of recorded DNAs in one surgery was 499 in March 2022.

The pattern of high DNA numbers appears to be continuing through 2022-23, with 7,332 appointments already missed between April and September 2022.

There are a number of impacts of DNAs, but of particular concern is that the overall patient wait to see a GP or Nurse is extended, which could result in exacerbation of symptoms. This also results in patients presenting at other services provided by Manx Care instead, for example the MEDS out of hours GP service or the Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital, which in turn increases pressure on those services and exacerbates the length of wait to be seen there.

Dr. John Snelling, Manx Care’s Associate Director of Primary Care, commented:

“We encourage patients to consider the impact of booking an appointment with their GP surgery and then not turning up. Our telephone lines are extremely busy and so, where possible, please help us by cancelling your appointment via the Patient Access app. Alternatively, please email, text (where available) or ring the practice.

“We absolutely acknowledge and accept that there will be circumstances whereby people cannot attend an appointment due to a last-minute emergency, but this will not be the case for everyone. If the 48 appointments missed every working day could be filled by other patients waiting to see their GP, this would have a real impact across the board.”

Information on how to cancel an appointment is on the Manx Care website, or you can see the best way to contact each practice below. Manx Care will be publishing GP practices’ DNA data each month going forward.

Practice	Method of cancellation
Finch Hill	Patient Access or Email (FinchHill.GP@gov.im)
Palatine	Patient Access, Email (palatine@gov.im), or telephone (623931)
Hailwood	Patient Access or Telephone (686949)
Ballasalla	Patient Access, Email (ballasallamedicalcentre@gov.im) or Telephone (823243)
Peel	Patient access, Text (468468), Email (peeldoctors@gov.im) or Telephone (686968)
Southern	Patient Access or Telephone (686979)
Kensington	Patient Access or Email (kensington@gov.im)
Castletown	Patient Access or Email (cmc@gov.im)
Snaefell	Patient Access or Email (admin.snaefell@gov.im)
Laxey / Onchan	Patient Access, Email (laxey&villagewalk@gov.im) or Telephone (Laxey 861350/Village Walk 656020)
Ramsey	Patient Access or Email (rgp.general@gov.im)

Diabetes Nursing service provision affected by limited staffing

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:55:22 GMT

The Diabetes Nursing Service is experiencing very limited staffing at this time, affecting some service provision.

No appointments are affected, but the staffing situation may impact patients telephoning the service.

Insulin pump users who need to contact the team and those with an urgent query are asked to call the Emergency Mobile number (+44 1624 456886) between 8am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.

The Diabetes Nursing Service is not an emergency service, therefore even when the team are operating at full capacity, anyone in an emergency or life-threatening situation should call 999 for assistance. Less urgent matters may be able to be dealt with by your GP or the Manx Emergency Doctors Service (MEDS).

Please be kind to the team – they are doing their best to accommodate all patients, and hope to return to normal service provision shortly.

Manx Care’s signposting brochure highlights the full range of health and care services available on the Island and the types of conditions that each service can support. Members of the public are being encouraged to choose wisely and access the service that is most appropriate for their needs.

Appointment of High Bailiff

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:08:22 GMT

James Brooks has been appointed as the new High Bailiff in the Isle of Man. The appointment follows the planned retirement of Her Worship Jayne Hughes who will have held the position for almost four years.

Mr Brooks has been appointed by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and will act as senior judge of the Courts of Summary Jurisdiction and the Isle of Man’s senior Coroner of Inquests.

Mr Brooks, a graduate of Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, was Head of Courts and Tribunals Service in the Falkland Islands from 2016 to 2019 and then Legal Officer within the Isle of Man courts from 2019, until his appointment as Deputy High Bailiff in 2021.

Mr Brooks brings a wealth of experience to the role and has an excellent working knowledge of the courts of the Isle of Man.

He commented:

“I was delighted to receive the news of my appointment and I look forward to continuing to undertake the interesting and very varied work that is dealt with by the summary courts.”

The official swearing in of Mr Brooks will take place following the formal retirement of Her Worship Jayne Hughes in April 2023.

Recruitment for the position of Deputy High Bailiff will commence shortly.

Choosing the right healthcare option for you this weekend

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:55:56 GMT

Members of the public who require healthcare support across the weekend are being asked to only use the Emergency Department (A&E) at Noble’s Hospital if they need to, and instead choose one of the other options available to them across the Island.

Noble’s Hospital is currently operating at OPEL 4 status, meaning the facility is operating under extreme pressure. A clearly defined plan has been activated to manage this and ensure patient safety is maintained at all times. Part of that plan includes asking members of the public to ‘choose well’ when it comes to them seeking heath and care support, and choosing to attend the healthcare setting which is most appropriate for their clinical needs.

Anyone who requires urgent or emergency treatment at the Emergency Department across the weekend will receive this, and should continue to seek treatment there as needed. They will be treated in order of clinical priority.

The Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit (MIU) at Ramsey Cottage Hospital is able to offer an X-Ray service between 9am and 5pm today and tomorrow (Saturday 03 and Sunday 04 December), and members of the public should attend the MIU if they require an X-Ray or suspect they have an injury which will require an X-Ray. The MIU is able to treat a complex range of conditions including dislocations or breaks, sprains, minor head injuries where there has been no loss of consciousness, minor illnesses such as urine or water infections, ear, eye and throat infections, abdominal pain, abscesses and boils, muscular pain, headaches, rashes, cuts, burns, scalds and emergency contraception. The facility is open from 8am to 8pm every day.

Other options available to members of the public across the weekend are:

The Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS) - a GP service which operates out of hours when the Island’s GP surgeries are closed (01624 650355)
Community Pharmacies rota
The Community Dental Service for patients who have a dental emergency but don’t have their own dentist (+44 1624 642785)
Self-care (self treatment at home)

Manx Care’s signposting brochure contains the full range of options available to members of the public, and is available in multiple languages.

Oliver Radford, Manx Care’s Operations Director, commented:

“Noble’s is operating at OPEL 4 status as a result of the number of individuals who attended the Emergency Department overnight who subsequently required admission to hospital for further treatment, however there is very limited capacity within our hospitals to accommodate them. The OPEL framework is used daily across the UK NHS to describe the operating pressures on a hospital, and is a recognised framework for managing patient flow and demand across acute healthcare settings. I hope this will reassure members of the public that this position is being closely managed to ensure patient safety is maintained.

“If anyone requires urgent and emergency care, they should attend Noble’s Hospital as planned and they will receive treatment - I would like to reassure members of the public of that. However, if you can be seen at another facility, please choose well and attend the facility which is most appropriate for your clinician condition. We are offering an X-Ray service at the MIU in Ramsey this weekend which will hopefully take some of the pressure off the Emergency Department at Noble’s.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their support across this weekend. We will be there for you if you need us.”

Planning Application - Publication List

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 10:26:40 GMT

In accordance with the Orders and Regulations listed below, the most recent planning applications received and validated for publication are now available for viewing online including a link on which the site extents can be viewed via an online map.

A PDF version is available if you wish to print off the list.

You may also, if a planning application has not yet been determined, use this service to submit an objection or comment in support of the application.

Comments or objections relative to this list must be submitted by 23 December 2022.

A laminated Site Notice has been sent to each applicant for displaying at the site.

Any persons wishing to make written representation or submission must direct them to:

Secretary to the Planning Committee

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

Telephone:+44 1624 685950

Please be aware that all written representations OR SUBMISSIONS will be available for PUBLIC scrutiny and will form part of any proceedings arising in connection with the application.

Whilst criteria for the submission of comment may differ under each instrument of legislation, to give weight to any representation or submission, and enable assessment of parties for interested person status, persons are encouraged to clearly indicate the relationship between their land or buildings and the land that is the subject of the application. Sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application must be demonstrated if the person making representation should wish to be considered to take part in any subsequent proceedings.

Guidance on how to comment on planning applications.

Please also be aware that any anonymous representations or submissions will not be considered as part of any planning determination.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications made by the Department of the Environment Food and Agriculture or in which the Department is deemed to have a vested interest (below) are treated differently.

Planning Application 22/01472/B (MALEW) and (ARBORY) referred to previously in the list is an application by the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture (DEFA) or are in which the Department is deemed to have a vested interest. As such the application will not be determined by DEFA, but will, following a period of 21 DAYS be referred to the Council of Ministers. Persons may view the application at or submit written representations or submissions to DEFA, Murray House. Please ensure that such comment is submitted by 23 December 2022. Any representations or submissions received will be conveyed by DEFA to the Office of the Chief Secretary, The Cabinet Office, Government Office, Douglas who will thereafter manage the administration of the application(s) on behalf of the Council of Ministers.

Public Metings of The Planning Committee

The next public meeting of the Planning Committee is to be held at 10am 19 December 2022, at the Ground Floor Meeting Room, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas, Isle of Man and remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Copies of the agenda for the meeting are available at least three working days prior to the meeting at the Department, or from the Department’s website.

Copies are also circulated to the Local Authorities.

Members of the public and applicants are welcome to attend the meeting.

Public Speaking at Planning Committee

Please be aware that there is opportunity for persons to speak at the meeting provided they meet the requirements and have registered to do so beforehand.

The process and procedure for doing is available by contacting the Department on +44 1624 685950 or may be downloaded from the Departments website

Orders and Regulations

Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019
Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013
Town and Country Planning (Registered Buildings) Regulations 2013
Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2013
Amended by
The Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2019

Subscribe to our email alert

If you would like to subscribe to our mailing list to receive a weekly email advising when planning lists are published, please forward your email details to planning@gov.im

Applications for Dissolution - 1931 Act Companies

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:59:26 GMT

The Companies Acts 1931 to 2004

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 273a(3)(A) of The Companies Act 1931

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the attached companies have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 273a(3)(A) Of The Companies Act 1931. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Applications for Dissolution – 2006 Act Companies

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 10:07:12 GMT

The Companies Act 2006

List of Companies that have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution

Pursuant to Section 190(3)

The Department for Enterprise hereby gives Notice that the Companies referred to in the attached Notice have applied for a Declaration of Dissolution under the provisions of Section 190 of the Companies Act 2006. Unless written objection is made to The Department for Enterprise within one month of the date of publication of this notice, The Department for Enterprise may dissolve the Companies.

Consolidate Legislation: Russia

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 10:15:53 GMT

The Treasury advises that the Russia Sanctions consolidated legislation has been amended following changes to the statutory documents relating to Russia trade sanctions. These changed will come into effect on 5December 2022.

The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (of UK Parliament) (the 'Russia Regulations') were applied to the Island, and currently have effect in the Island, by the Russia Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0504]. The Russia Regulations have been amended in the United Kingdom in response to Russian actions in Ukraine. The Isle of Man is adopting these measures to ensure that sanctions against Russia in the Island are aligned with the United Kingdom.

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Russia and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

National Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Strategy update

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:49:33 GMT

Following the public consultation to inform a national autism strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care will be delaying the development of a formal strategy to focus on delivering immediate improvements to current services.

The Department will be focussing on making suggested changes that don’t need a strategy to be in place before they begin.

Resource will be focussed on an awareness campaign and working within departments to improve access, awareness and make the reasonable adjustments highlighted in the Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) consultation.

In April, a public consultation asked the Island’s ASC community, and the people who support them, what improvements need to be made in support and services.

Feedback from nearly 400 people outlined the community’s concerns and issues, and the results of this consultation will be used to develop the Island’s first National ASC Strategy. The Strategy will help create a more autism friendly island, and will lay out a framework for improving services and support for our ASC community.

Originally due to be published by December 2022, this date will now be extended while the immediate work is undertaken.

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

‘We are grateful to everyone who took the time to tell us about their experiences of ASC on the Isle of Man. We now know that there are some immediate issues that can be resolved quickly and efficiently, while we take the time to produce a meaningful strategy.’

‘The results of the consultation showed us that making substantial improvements for our ASC community will require cross-departmental support, and carefully considered approaches to unpicking some of the more complex issues highlighted by the experiences people told us about. ‘

More information, including the consultation results and analysis are available on the Autism Strategy webpage. A further progress update will be provided in in early 2023, with the aim to produce a draft strategy by April 2023.

Applications reopened for Manx Home Energy Audits through the Green Living Grant Scheme

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 11:48:14 GMT

Applications for Manx Home Energy Audits, offered as part of the Green Living Grant Scheme, have reopened following changes to the Scheme approved by Tynwald at the November sitting. The changes will enable applicants to the Scheme to complete a wider range of home improvement measures.

The changes enable applicants to access more flexible grant support for both the energy efficiency measures recommended on their Manx Home Energy Audit report, as well as energy efficiency measures listed in the Scheme Guidance, even if they do not appear on the initial audit report.

Applications for the Green Living Grant element of the Scheme remain open, and there is no need for existing applicants to reapply. All existing and new applicants to the Scheme are able to benefit from the greater flexibility.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘Applications for Manx Home Energy Audits were suspended in September of this year to allow for a period of review following feedback from applicants, Government Departments and industry which indicated that applicants needed more flexibility within the Scheme to implement a wider range of energy saving measures in light of increasing cost of living pressures.

‘The temporary suspension allowed us to bring a set of changes to Tynwald in November, which we hope will better reflect the current needs of the community and will further accelerate and support home owners’ investment in energy efficiency and energy cost saving measures.

‘The Department is continuing to work closely with DEFA, the Climate Change Transformation Board and other Departments to bring forward policies and initiatives which directly support individuals who are affected by cost of living pressures.’

Applications for the Manx Home Energy Audit element of the Scheme will reopen on Thursday 1 December at 12pm and new applications can be made online.

Public sector rents to rise by 5%

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 11:53:15 GMT

Public sector rents on the Isle of Man are set to rise by 5%, with effect from 1 April 2023.

The decision to increase the rental levy has been reached following consultation with the Island’s 15 local housing authorities.

In considering the rise, the Department has been mindful of the rising cost of living and its impact on tenants. However, the cost of building materials, contractors’ fees and other housing provider expenses are rising too, and rent increases are considered unavoidable to support essential maintenance and investment.

Tenants who have their rent met by the Isle of Man Government as part of their income assessed Social Security benefits will automatically have their benefits reassessed to take account of the new rental costs.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Thomas MHK said:

‘I am grateful for the input of the local authorities in enabling the team to set next year’s rents, and have also appreciated the opportunity of regional meetings with housing providers to discuss various housing matters, including policies for rent setting and tenancies. I encourage anyone who thinks they may need support to get in touch with their housing provider.’

Public sector tenants are reminded that help is available should they find themselves struggling to meet their financial obligations. In the first instance, they should contact their housing provider who may be able to assist them with a repayment plan. Housing customers could also consider contacting the Social Security Division within the Treasury, where staff can provide advice regarding any financial assistance for which they may be eligible.

Property Type	Average weekly rent for 2023/24	Difference of
1 bed flat	£69.16	£3.29
2 bed house	£101.77	£4.84
3 bed house	£116.60	£5.55
4 bed house	£143.58	£6.83

Limited Receptionist cover this week at Hailwood GP surgery

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:03:08 GMT

As a result of staff sickness, Hailwood GP surgery in Douglas will have limited Receptionist cover this week (from 01 December 2022).

This will particularly impact patients calling the surgery between 8am and 9:30am, although it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered across the day. Patients are being asked to consider the time they try to call the surgery, and try later in the day for routine matters. Alternatively patients can contact the surgery via email for non-urgent matters, and send repeat prescription requests via Patient Access if they have set this up.

People requiring urgent appointments should contact the surgery as planned. Anyone in an emergency or life-threatening situation, for example suffering from chest pains, should call 999 for assistance.

Please be kind to the Receptionist team at Hailwood GP surgery – they are doing their best to accommodate all patients at the moment.

National Income report illustrates impact of pandemic on Island’s economy

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:00:03 GMT

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Isle of Man economy is revealed in the National Income 2020/21 report.

Produced by Statistics Isle of Man, the document shows a fall in Gross Domestic Product of 8.2%, or 8% when taking into account inflation. This compares with an 11% drop in the United Kingdom and 10% in Jersey.

The annual report aims to measure the size of the Manx economy and chart its growth, as well as monitor the relative sizes of the contribution to the economy made by various business sectors.

Key points include:

Total Gross Domestic Product decreased from £5.53bn to £5.08bn
Gross National Income and Gross National Product both fell by 6.5% in nominal terms, or 6.3% and 6.4% respectively in real terms. This compares with a real-terms rise of 0.5% in 2019/2020
Personal incomes remained largely static, changing by 0.2% compared with 2019/2020
A total of 10 sectors exhibited contractions while 14 experienced growth, although this tended to be modest for the majority of sectors
Insurance continues to be the largest sector of the Island’s economy, accounting for 22.4%, with eGaming contributes the second largest share at 11.2%

The report can be found at the Statistics Isle of Man section of the Isle of Man Government Website.

Walk In Sessions for Autumn Booster Vaccination

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:13:28 GMT

The Covid-19 Vaccination Team will be offering walk in sessions at The Chester Street Vaccination Hub, throughout December. There will also be two sessions at Noble’s Hospital, Ward 12 on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 December, between 10am -3pm*.

Date	Time	Venue	Type
Monday 05 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Tuesday 06 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Wednesday 07 December	9:30am-1:30pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Thursday 08 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Friday 09 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Monday 12 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Tuesday 13 December	9:30am-2pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Wednesday 14 December	9:30am-2pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Thursday 15 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Friday 16 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Monday 19 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Tuesday 20 December	9:30am-4pm	Chester Street	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Wednesday 21 December	10am-3pm	Nobles Hospital Ward 12	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s
Thursday 22 December	10am-3pm	Nobles Hospital Ward 12	Walk In Autumn Booster and 1st Booster for over 18’s

Anyone who is eligible is welcome to attend a walk in session.

You are eligible for this vaccine if you are:

Over 50 (you must be over age 18 to receive this vaccine)
Pregnant
At higher risk due to a health condition
Immunosuppressed
A frontline health and social care worker
A carer
Over 18 and requiring a Booster dose

The Chester Street Vaccination Hub and 111 Call Centre will be closed on the following days:

Friday 23 December
Wednesday 28 December
Thursday 29 December
Friday 30 December
Monday 02 January 2023

*The Covid-19 Vaccination team will not be administering vaccines on individual wards. Instead, people should go to Ward 12 themselves to receive their booster dose. Anyone who is eligible can attend the walk in session, including Manx Care colleagues, patients and visitors to the hospital.

Financial Sanctions: Russia

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:00:40 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the addition of 22 entries to the Russian sanctions regime.

The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/855) were made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) and provide for the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons, entities or bodies involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine, or obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia. The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Russia Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [S.D. 2020/0504].

On 30 November 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

22 entries have been added to the consolidated list and are now subject to an asset freeze. Further information can be found in the annex to this Notice.

What you must do

Financial institutions and other persons are required to check whether you maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, designated individuals. If so, you must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, not deal with those funds or economic resources, make those funds or economic resources available to a designated person, or make those funds or economic resources available for the benefit of a designated person. You must also report your findings to the FIU.

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Where a relevant institution has already reported details of accounts, other funds or economic resources held frozen for the designated person, you are not required to report these details again.

Further Information

Consequently the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the Consolidated List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Russia and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Manx Care responds to global drug shortage

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:05:03 GMT

Manx Care is currently experiencing a supply issue with two drugs that are used in the treatment of strokes and heart conditions.

This global supply issue (which could continue for the rest of 2022) is having an effect across all NHS trusts in the UK, and therefore impacts the Isle of Man’s supply of these drugs.

Manx Care has been advised to conserve supplies of some alteplase and tenecteplase injections. Manx Care absolutely has stock in hand and is doing everything possible to preserve that stock. This may include the use of alternative and equally effective drugs for certain conditions (such as acute myocardial infarction), given that one condition (acute ischaemic stroke) can only be treated with alteplase. These mitigations are in line with recommendations from the Department of Health and Social Care (UK) and the NHS.

Hospital pharmacies across the UK have been directed to order these drugs in line with their allocations rather than over-ordering, and Manx Care is acting in line with this.

Dr. Sreeman Andole, Executive Medical Director and Stroke Consultant, said:

“We don’t want to alarm any members of public – we are notifying you to ensure we are being open given the current global situation which may have an effect on the Island.

“We have looked at our use of these drugs – our current usage is low and we’re preserving stocks and using alternatives where it’s clinically safe to do so. This is in line with guidance provided by NHS and DHSC (UK).”

Technical note:

Both alteplase and tenecteplase are thrombolytic drugs that are solely manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, with alteplase licensed for treatment of acute ischaemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and acute massive pulmonary embolism with haemodynamic instability, while tenecteplase is licensed for the management of acute MI.

In a national patient safety alert issued on 03 August 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care (UK) and NHS England said that “manufacturing constraints” at Boehringer Ingelheim are affecting the global supply of alteplase (Actilyse) 10mg, 20mg and 50mg injections and tenecteplase (Metalyse) 10,000 unit injections.

As a result of the shortages, which the manufacturer said are expected to improve “in early 2023”, the alert asks trusts to conserve their stocks of alteplase for patients with acute ischaemic stroke, given the lack of an alternative, and the significant risk of harm without receipt of treatment.

Hospital pharmacies are also asked to order alteplase injections in line with their allocations, which amount to approximately half of normal demand for alteplase 20mg injections, and approximately two thirds of normal demand for alteplase 10mg injections.

The alert also assures that restrictions are put in place by Boehringer Ingelheim for tenecteplase to ensure stock is not depleted earlier than anticipated.

Whilst there are no other therapeutic options for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke other than alteplase, streptokinase and urokinase are listed as possible alternative treatments for MI and dissolution of thrombi and emboli.

We acknowledge that this is concerning, but it should be emphasised that the NHS and suppliers have robust policies in place to ensure that hospitals have sufficient drug supplies for patients who need thrombolysis treatment following a stroke.

The current supply issue is expected to last until early 2023 and should not affect any stroke patients from accessing acute treatments in hospital.

Medicinal Cannabis dispensing service launch

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:46:13 GMT

The Islands first medicinal cannabis dispensing service, through Karsons Pharmacy in Onchan, will open this week.

From 1 December patients with a private prescription for Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal use (CBPMs) will be able to have their prescription fulfilled on the Isle of Man.

CBPM prescriptions are not available on the NHS, but patients can use CQC registered private clinics with a medical practitioner on a specialist register which allows them to prescribe CBPMs.

Patients with prescriptions will be able to take them to Karsons from Thursday. While the service becomes established it may take around 7-10 working days from the date of the original prescription arriving at the Pharmacy, for medication to arrive on Island. It is hoped this will reduce in time.

Patients who wish to explore the option of medicinal cannabis will find more information about the service and how the dispensing will work on the CBPMs webpage. Patients are encouraged to contact Karsons Pharmacy if they have any further questions.

Guidance videos have also been created with Karsons Pharmacy to provide practical advice and considerations for patients. These will be available online alongside a set of Frequently Asked Questions.

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

‘I’m really pleased that we’re now in position to launch this important service. I’d like to thank the public for their patience while it has been set up, the Department and Karsons have been working hard to get everything in place and we’ve shared the frustration at delays which have now been resolved.’

He added:

‘We’d like to ask patients for their continued patience in the opening weeks of the service while the service embeds. I would encourage patients to read through our FAQs and familiarise themselves with the advice and guidance around the use of these products.’

The licence to provide this service has been awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care to Karsons Pharmacy, and will allow them to operate the service as a pilot for a minimum of 12 months to collect data that evidences need and demand to shape future service provision on the Island.

Application for Restoration - 1931 Act Companies

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:52:56 GMT

The Companies Acts 1931 - 2004

List of Companies for which a Notice has been issued under section 273B (1) of the Companies Act 1931

Fisherman fined for undersized catch

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:18:24 GMT

A fisherman from Lincoln has been fined £35,000 and his Isle of Man licence suspended for 12 months for possessing undersized Whelk in Manx Waters.

Fisheries Officers boarded the vessel, Julia Anne FD5, last Tuesday afternoon (22 November) near the Point of Ayre and discovered the vessel’s catch to be undersized. The vessel was escorted to Douglas where it was detained and a further inspection revealed that 19.5% of the catch of Whelk was below the legal minimum size of 75mm.

The master, Dinars Lugan from Lincoln, appeared before a special sitting of the Court in Douglas on Friday 25 November, where he received the £35,000 fine and £125 costs as well as the vessels’ gear confiscated and the value of the catch awarded to the Department.

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture commented:

‘The Department is committed to ensuring the conservation of fishing in the Isle of Man.

‘This detention and subsequent conviction gives a clear message to vessels operating within Manx Territorial Waters that they must all abide by the regulations, to maintain a fishery that will be viable and sustainable for all.'

Tax bill payments due on 6 January 2023

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:00:07 GMT

Payments of any outstanding amounts for 2021/22 personal tax assessments and 2022/23 payment on account notices are due on 6 January 2023.

There are several ways to pay tax bills, including an online service payment facility which allows people to avoid potentially large queues at the Income Tax Division office as the payment date approaches. For more information, please visit gov.im/incometax and select Payment Methods.

Assistance can also be provided in completing the process either in person at the Income Tax Division or by telephoning +44 1624 685400.