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New report highlights health failings

Issues already being addressed says Minister

A new report into standards in the Island's healthcare system has uncovered a number of issues presenting an 'immediate risk' to patients.

The eighth review by the West Midlands Care Quality Review Service concludes a five-year study into practices at Noble's Hospital and beyond.

The air ambulance and cardiac services are praised for their leadership and practice.

But of fourteen separate areas under review, six meet less than 50% of the body's Quality Standards targets.

Staff shortages and a general 'failure of communication' following incidents is identified.

Specific cases included nurses not telling airline staff about contaminated patients flying home from Liverpool to avoid 'hassle'.

Staff in adult dietetic services were also found to be ignoring UK safety guidelines on nasogastric tube placement after a senior nurse told them, "we are the Isle of Man and this doesn’t apply to us".

But the health minister, David Ashford, says action is already being taken to address the failings.

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