MHK claims staffing pressures left hospital near 'code red' situation

Julie Edge concerned about pressure on frontline services

An Onchan MHK has claimed that staffing levels at Noble’s Hospital were almost on a ‘code red’ over the weekend.

Julie Edge made the revelation in Tynwald yesterday (18 February) during the Budget debate.

She described Manx Care as the ‘biggest elephant in the room’ saying there is too much pressure on frontline services:

In response, a Manx Care spokesperson says: 'A ‘code red’ would refer to an isolated security incident i.e. where a patient or service user is displaying aggressive or threatening behaviour towards staff, other members of the public or if they pose a threat to themselves.

'There was a code red for the above reason over the weekend (15 and 16 February 2025). The situation was carefully managed by staff who are fully trained to deal with such situations, and was resolved.

'This was not related to staffing levels within Nobles’s Hospital and was an isolated incident, therefore there are no implications in the short/long term.'

Budget

Manx Care will get £357 million over the next 12 months with a £14 million contingency pot available. 

Ms Edge - who voted against the Budget - told the court she believed Manx Care's structure is 'failing' and the governance is 'poor' adding that the Sir Jonathan Michael 'idealisms' are now out of date. 

You can find out more HERE.