A number of people in Ramsey are concerned about the future of the town’s cottage hospital.

They have asked for a public meeting to discuss the issue.

Health chiefs are expected to issue a statement later today outlining why the decision has been taken to relocate some services, including endoscopy, to Noble’s Hospital.

The chairman of Ramsey Commissioners, Andy Cowie, has received the a request to hold public requisition meeting.

It has been signed by 14 voters from the Keys constituency of Ramsey and a number of residents from the surrounding parishes.

It reads:

’We the undersigned request that as a matter of urgency you convene a public meeting for the purpose of ascertaining the intentions of the Department of Health and Social Care, with regard to the future of the Ramsey Cottage Hospital. There appears to be a secretive culture developing within the department; something that is corrosive to staff morale and public confidence.

’We believe that clarity is required from the department and hope that the minister; the department’s political members and its chief executive will attend the meeting and provide that clarity to the staff of the hospital; the users of the hospital’s services and the people of the north of the island as a whole.’

Mr Cowie is now considering this request.