Health Minister Kate Beecroft has apologised for her department’s handling of the controversial decision to move endoscopy services away from Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

When called upon to explain the Department of Health and Social Care’s actions, after an emergency question was tabled in Tynwald this week, she defended the reasons behind the decision and reiterated a pledge the hospital was not under threat.

But Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey) was unimpressed with the justifications she gave, saying they did not add up. He and other members also slammed the speed with which the change was being brought in and said poor communication had caused unnecessary concern for patients and staff.

Responding, Mrs Beecroft said: ’I have no problem holding up my hand and saying I am very sorry for that. We all learn as we go along. I have been extremely disappointed with the communication on this matter.

’I will most definitely ensure that it is improved on significantly.’

The row blew up last week when the DHSC announced it was moving the endoscopy service at Ramsey Cottage Hospital - with effect from May 22 - to a new, larger unit at Noble’s Hospital because operating the service on two sites was not efficient.

The minister said that Noble’s provided 10.3 endoscopy sessions per week and Ramsey 2.6.

Time was lost with staff moving from one site to the other, she said. Also, staff working in Ramsey Cottage Hospital could not be on-call for Noble’s. There was no on-site medical support at Ramsey for patients requiring an endoscopy who had other problems.

But Dr Allinson said Ramsey provided four endoscopy sessions per week and patients with other problems were regularly accommodated at Martin Ward.

The minister insisted services in the Isle of Man were not as efficient as in the UK. Waiting times were ’unacceptably high’ at about 33 weeks.

There were 1,167 patients waiting for a diagnostic endoscopy, of whom 82 were listed for the procedure to Ramsey.

Centralising the service at Noble’s would allow for an additional 780 colonoscopies, 260 more gastroscopies and 520 extra sigmoidoscopies per year, she said, and enable the department to clear the current waiting list.

Called on give an assurance on the future of the hospital, Mrs Beecroft said its role was being reviewed along with all health services, but she regarded it as a national asset.

’There is most definitely a future for Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital.’

League of Friends of Ramsey Cottage Hospital member Leonard Singer said there was no consultation over the move, which the group would have objected to because it had donated £200,000 to buy equipment for the north.

’The way this has been done has been nothing more than a smash and grab,’ he claimed.