RCS approves breast service appointment

Controversial plans by the Department of Health for a new surgeon to lead the Isle of Man's breast service have received the backing of the Royal College of Surgeons.

The post of general surgeon with a special interest in breast surgery has been supported and approved.

Opponents of the appointment, including the recently formed Breast Care Action Group, see it as a backwards move, but Health Minister David Anderson is again insisting the appointee will spend the majority of their time providing care to breast service patients.

Mr Anderson says the senior official at the Royal College of Surgeons who approved the post has done so on that basis, given what are described as 'the unique circumstances' on the Island.

The minister adds that the existing general surgeons at Noble's, all of whom have a special interest, also spend by far the majority of their time working in that specialist area.

It's also being stressed that 'continuing professional development, including visits to other units, will be encouraged, to ensure other, non-breast, skills are maintained in all relevant areas'.

The Department of Health says it will not be advertising the post until after the June sitting of Tynwald.