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Health Minister admits profound regret over handling of endoscopy move

Wed, 05 Jul 2017

The Health Minister says she has profound regret that the decision to move all endoscopy services to Noble's Hospital has caused upset.

Kate Beecroft was giving evidence to Tynwald's Social Affairs Policy Review Committee, which is looking into the Department's handling of the move.

Mrs Beecroft spoke of her regret over the way the events have unfolded, and that this has resulted in the committee having to look into the situation.

Some charity groups associated with Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital have been unhappy with the Department's communication ahead of the announcement.

However, the Minister insists she had no choice to address the lengthy waiting list for endoscopy appointments, describing the issue as a serious matter of patient safety.

Mrs Beecroft also reiterated that there were no concerns over safety at the Cottage Hospital, and that the surgery suite there remains open for oral surgery and dermatology surgeries.

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