Impact on health services outlined ahead of doctors' strike

Manx Care releases details of potential impact of industrial action

Manx Care has released a list of services it expects to be impacted if the planned doctors' strike goes ahead next week.

For the first time in history doctors on the Island will walk out from 7am on Wednesday, 22 January until 7am on Friday, 24 January.

The British Medical Association says it’s because the health body has failed to produce a ‘credible pay offer’.

Manx Care says 'negotiations remain ongoing' and a 'final decision regarding the industrial action is expected on Monday' (20 January).

IMPACT

Planned doctor-led appointments will be cancelled on strike days but the majority of nurse and practitioner-led clinics will continue.

What does it mean for you if you are expecting treatment next week?

Manx Care has today (17 January) announced the following for 22 and 23 January:

If you are due to attend for a hospital outpatient appointment:

The majority of nurse- and practitioner-led clinics will continue.

If your appointment is going to be cancelled you will be informed no later than Tuesday at 3pm.  

If you have not heard from Manx Care to cancel your appointment please attend as normal.

If you are due to attend for an antenatal appointment:

Scans will continue as normal however consultant appointments will be rearranged.

If your appointment is going to be cancelled you will be informed no later than Tuesday at 3pm.  

If you are due to be admitted to hospital for an operation or procedure:

If your appointment is going to be cancelled you will be informed no later than Tuesday at 3pm. 

If you are due to attend a renal dialysis appointment:

Renal dialysis is currently scheduled to go ahead as planned.

GP practices / dental practices:

GP practices will largely operate as normal.

However some may experience reduced cover and Ballasalla Group Practice is expected to face disruptions.

If you are due to attend for a Diabetes Centre appointment:

Doctor appointments will be cancelled.

If your appointment is going to be cancelled you will be informed no later than Tuesday at 3pm. 

If you are due to attend for a cancer and diagnostic services appointment:

Chemotherapy services will continue.

If your appointment is going to be cancelled you will be informed no later than Tuesday at 3pm.

If you are due to attend for a mental health service appointment:

If your appointment is going to be cancelled you will be informed no later than Tuesday at 3pm.

If you are due to attend for a drug and alcohol service appointment:

If your appointment is going to be cancelled you will be informed no later than Tuesday at 3pm.

Emergency services

Emergency services will operate as normal and you should continue to call 999 in the event of an emergency or attend the Emergency Department if required.

The Minor Injuries Unit in Ramsey will be open for non-emergency conditions and will have X-Ray capacity available.

Ramsey Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit:

MIU will be open and will have imaging capacity available.

CONCERNS

Some patients have already received communication from Manx Care regarding cancellations of their appointments.

If the situation changes and the industrial action does not go ahead the health body says it 'will endeavour to contact affected patients by the end of Tuesday to reinstate appointments where possible'.

If you have any questions or concerns you can contact MCALS on 01624 642642 or email mcals@gov.im between 9am and 5pm from Monday.