The hospital’s accident and emergency department is so busy health chiefs have asked people not to go there if they can avoid it.

They say that Noble’s is currently experiencing a ’significant volume of people’ attending its A&E department and is ’extremely busy’.

But, in a statement issued this morning, Manx Care, the body that now runs health services at arm’s length from the government, has not said why the department is so busy.

Health administrators say they want people to consider attending the Minor Injuries Unit at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital instead.

Manx Care says the staff there can provide treatment for a wide range of minor illnesses and injuries that require medical help, but do not need specialist support from the A&E team at Noble’s.

This includes things like burns and scalds, suspected breaks and dislocations, sprains, rashes and skin complaints, infections including eye and ear complaints, falls and emergency contraception.

While the MIU is based in the north, it is not purely for use by residents of the north.

In many cases, patients may be seen faster there than at Noble’s. The MIU is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Manx Care says it is continuing to closely monitor the situation.

For immediate emergency treatment and advice, people should still call 999.

Health bosses say people should always dial 999 in the event someone is seriously ill or injured, their life is at risk, or for any other life-threatening emergency. Emergency support is available to anyone who needs this.

For non-urgent medical inquiries, concerns about a condition or advice relating to health and well-being, people should contact their GP or their local pharmacist.

Members of the public should not enter Noble’s Hospital or Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital if:

â?¢They’re sick or showing any symptoms relating to Covid-19

â?¢They’ve been in contact with anyone with Covid-19 in the last ten days, including those identified as a high risk, low risk or a close contact by 111 within the previous ten days

â?¢They’ve tested positive for Covid-19 using a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) or lab test

â?¢They’re awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test

â?¢They’ve been legally instructed to self-isolate by the 111 team as part of a travel pathway to enter the island

An exception applies in the event that people require emergency hospital treatment.

The full hospitals visiting policy can be found here: https://www.gov.im/categories/health-and-wellbeing/hospitals-and-emergency-treatment/nobles-hospital/