'Clinical Navigators' to be introduced at Manx Care

Will form part of the Island's Emergency Services Joint Control Room

Manx Care has announced that experienced clinicians are to become a part of the Island's Emergency Services Joint Control Room.

So-called 'Clinical Navigators' are to be introduced to offer guidance over whether or not ambulances are needed in response to 999 calls.

The health body says it will see patients getting 'the appropriate level of treatment first time', be it at home or in hospital.

A lack of clinical resource within the control room was a point raised by a recent Care Quality Commission report into the Island's emergency care provisions.

The move will see a nurse or paramedic, supervised by a Senior Paramedic Officer - initially working in the control room seven 'long daytime shifts' a week, and later possibly into evening hours.

The head of the Isle of Man Ambulance Service says the navigators will 'provide valuable support to our frontline Ambulance crews'.

Recruitment for the roles will begin shortly.