New vision for health facility funding

Future equipment may have to rely on public donations

An Island charity chief says more health facilities may in future rely on joint funding from the public purse, charities and donations.

The view of David Gawne, chairman of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, and head of the umbrella Council for Voluntary Services.

He was speaking at an open evening at Nobles' new breast unit, which has been funded through a charity appeal and has been promised ongoing support from government.

Mr Gawne says campaigners who wanted a dedicated breast unit made it happen themselves, raising £1.5 million in a public appeal.

He says that is likely to be the shape of things to come.