Breast clinics resume after staffing issues

A breast cancer clinic has begun operating as normal again after disruption to services due to staff shortages, Manx Care has confirmed.

Issues with staffing a radiologist post meant alternative plans were put in place for Isle of Man patients but new locum cover has now been secured.

While a full-time member of staff in the position is due to start in the summer, the clinic was left without its previous locum staff member due to an emergency absence.

The island's health care provider said it was reviewing patient lists and contacting people to "confirm that their referral has been received by the team".

The service has been operating using agency radiologist staff since June 2024.

Manx Care previously said there was a "significant shortage" of available breast radiologists within the UK, making recruitment difficult.

Health minister Claire Christian said the department was looking into employing a second full-time breast radiologist for future service "continuity".

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.