Health Minister David Ashford has denied that there are significant problems at Noble’s Hospital after the closuree of Ward 5.

Following the closure of the ward, previously a general medical ward, just over a month ago there have been rumours of chaos, bed shortages and cancelled operations.

The Manx Independent was told by contacts that there had been a ’major bed crisis’ after Ward 5 closed which involved gynaecology patients being moved in the night to orthopaedics so that Ward 4 (Gynaecology) could be made a male medical ward. It was also suggested that patients ’were waiting 14 hours in A&E for a bed’ and that ’operating theatres were shut to all but emergencies’.

However on Monday, Health Minister David Ashford categorically denied the latter, saying: ’Despite a rumour that’s been going around no elective surgery has been cancelled due to lack of beds in the 31 days since Ward 5 was closed.’

Mr Ashford said there had been a few problems at the gynaecology ward for a day while health bosses were getting the new discharge lounge in place but no elective surgery was cancelled due to lack of beds.

’And this was all happening against the background of Ward 8 being closed because of norovirus so I was pre-warned that they might have to [cancel some elective surgery] but it was not necessary.’

Ward 5 is now scheduled to be refurbished and turned into a dedicated chemotherapy ward. Patients receiving chemotherapy are currently housed in Ward 20 (previously Newlands rehabilitation unit). But there has been critcism that the closure of Ward 5 would remove vital contingency in the event of a major health crisis such as a winter flu epidemic.

contingency

Mr Ashford denied that this was the case however, saying: ’There is more than enough contingency in place.

’Noble’s operates a contingency plan in the event of a major emergency or an event such as TT so there are always plans in place.’

He added that there is more than enough capacity for the day to day requirements: ’You can’t keep a huge amount of empty beds just on the off chance you might need them.’

He said that, over the period of 31 days since Ward 5 closed, the average number of empty medical beds was eight. Over the same period a total of 993 in-patients were discharged and there were 905 emergency admissions.

Some of the patients who were previously in Ward 5 have been moved to Ramsey Cottage Hospital which is making more beds available.

Mr Ashford said: ’Ramsey Cottage Hospital currently operates 17 respite beds. In addition, it has four re-enablement beds and a further 10 non-commissioned beds which are not occupied and they are being brought into general use, so there will be an increase to 31 respite beds.’

Noble’s Hospital has also put in place a new, streamlined discharge process with the opening of a discharge lounge which patients can be moved to while awaiting transport thus freeing up a bed earlier.