Surgical waiting times could drop from 46 weeks to 4

Aim for six-week diagnostics thanks to extra funding

Some patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery on the Isle of Man could see their wait time drop from 46 weeks to just four.

Manx Care has been given a further £18.6 million to try and tackle the backlog in a number of areas including ophthalmology and general surgery.

The health body admits even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic waiting lists were 'lengthy' with 'no clear plan' to bring them down.

The additional funding will also go towards diagnostic testing.

Chief executive Teresa Cope says paying private specialists to carry out the work will significantly reduce the time people wait for help: