Hooper: Increased health funding will help reduce waiting lists

Issues not solely due to Covid-19 impact

Long waiting lists within the health service are not solely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

That's the view of the health and social care minister who says Manx Care inherited many issues, unrelated to Coronavirus, when it was established.

It's announced plans to reduce its cataract waiting lists by working with a Scottish provider who will travel to the Island specifically to deal with people awaiting treatment.

Just over £16 million has been allocated to Lawrie Hooper's department for new services and growth funding - as well as £8.2 million to address a funding gap - he says it should make a difference: