Staffing levels across Manx Care settings have been ‘affected’.

In a statement, the heath service said it is ‘reaching out to colleagues to ask them to work if available’.

It is working within its own clinical teams to see if they can help, even if they are on leave or not shifted.

Manx Care has added that all ante and postnatal services will continue.

It said it would ‘like to reassure expectant mothers’ that, while there are changes to visiting policies and clinics/services across many healthcare settings, they will not be affected.

Midwives will continue to offer support and advice.

All antenatal clinic appointments are continuing as normal but due to the size of consulting rooms it’s advised partners do not attend at this time.

If women attend the unit and are not in established labour they will be encouraged to return home but can remain if they wish to, with their partner for support but they will be asked to remain by the bedside.

Once labour is established, for the safety of the mother and unborn baby, partners are asked to remain on the unit for the duration. Partners must wear their mask at all times.

For the safety of all new mums, partners can visit between 10am-8pm but other visitors are not permitted at this time. Partners are asked to carry out an LFD prior to attending each day and once on the ward are not permitted to come and go.

Early postnatal discharge will be encouraged.

Meanwhile, outpatient appointments for those who have been referred to the hospital as a suspected cancer case will continue, as will those appointments which a consultant has triaged as urgent.

In addition the below listed services/clinics are continuing:

Oncology Day Unit & Clinics

Rheumatology Department & Day Assessment Treatment Unit

Audiology

Haematology

Blood Clinic

Paediatrics

Ophthalmology – Macular Clinics and Paediatrics

Radiology

Antenatal Clinics

Fracture Clinics

Outpatient Therapy Clinics (i.e. physiotherapy, podiatry, speech therapy etc).

During the visiting suspension period ‘essential visitors’ or an ‘essential care giver’ are permitted to visit.