Manx Care blames 'workforce vacancies' for delays
Women on the Isle of Man who are suspected of having breast cancer are waiting nine weeks for a referral.
Manx Care has blamed ‘workforce vacancies’ for the delay to the 'urgent suspected cancer referral' pathway and says it’s looking into sending people to the UK for assessment.
The health body is also holding additional breast clinics to try and address the outstanding patient referrals that have been received in recent weeks.
Anyone affected will be contacted directly by the Patient Information Centre to be offered an appointment for these; slots will be based on clinical priority and date of referral.
“We understand that this will be a concerning time for our patients who have not yet had their first appointment.” – Manx Care
Increased waiting times are said to be predominantly due to the vacant consultant breast radiologist post.
Manx Care says it’s undertaking ‘extensive recruitment efforts’ to fill this position.
In the interim a visiting consultant will attend the Island for two days in addition to their full-time working commitments in the North West of England.
From 25 July a consultant breast radiologist will also join the team, for one day each week, which will support the initial assessments of up to 15 patients per week.
Manx Care says it’s continuing to source a locum who can work regular weekdays to provide a more consistent service.
A new consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon will also be joining the team from 16 September.
Professor Partha Vaiude, Clinical Director for Cancer Services, said: "It's important that we detect potential breast cancers at the earliest opportunity and our temporary staffing arrangements offer support to our patients and the service during this challenging period.
"The successful recruitment and appointment of a consultant breast radiologist is our top priority.
"We welcome the appointment of Mr Gomez as consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon to our service which will significantly reduce our breast service waiting times and offer long-term service continuity and excellent care for our patients."
Anyone who feels that they have a problem with their breasts during this time is asked to contact their GP.
Julie Stokes from the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group said: "We totally understand what a worrying time it is for patients waiting for their initial appointment at the Manx Breast Unit and a nine-week wait is unacceptable and not sustainable.
"We appreciate how difficult it has been for Manx Care to secure a locum breast radiologist while they’ve advertised the full-time post.
"We look forward to the new locum starting, on 25 July, which will hopefully shorten waiting times in the short-term and seeing the post filled on a permanent basis."
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