Health Minister Kate Beecroft has denied her department’s handling of the transfer of endoscopy services was an ’insult’ to the supporters of Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

The row over the decision to end endoscopy services at the northern hospital rumbles on.

The welfare trustees at Ramsey Cottage Hospital have announced a moratorium on future funding, in protest at the ’unprecedented’ switch.

Health chiefs say the reason for centralising the service at Noble’s Hospital was to reduce delays for patients. The issue was raised in the Keys.

Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey) said ’hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth’ of endoscopy equipment was bought for by the hospital trustees with donations from north residents.

He said: ’To not consult with the hospital trustees before such a major operational decision can be seen, at best, as a careless oversight, or, at worst, as an insult to the work of volunteers who spent decades improving the health facilities on the island.’

He asked why it was so important to move the endoscopy equipment within a week of the decision being made, with the clinic schedule using two of three endoscopy rooms at any one time.

Mrs Beecroft responded: ’With regard to it being a careless oversight, or an insult, I can confirm it was the first one, because we were busy concentrating on the patients affected.

’It was certainly not intended to be insulting, in any way.’

She said she did not have the details to hand of the new schedule. The Minister confirmed she spoke to the League of Friends about the move on May 10, while her chief executive, Malcolm Couch, spoke to the trustees on May 22. A meeting was held with the trustees on June 20.

She said DHSC’s priority had been to ensure patients would be the first to learn of the changes, to avoid alarming them. But she acknowledged there were ’bridges to build’ with hospital supporters.

She said it was confirmed the gifts of endoscopy equipment by welfare trustees had no conditions associated with them at the requisition meeting held by Ramsey Commissioners on May 23.

’It is clear, however, that the trustees and the League of Friends are concerned that the department did not discuss the reconfiguration of endoscopy services with them and that is regrettable.

’Generous donations have funded the equipment in Ramsey and I would not wish either charity to construe the department’s lack of communication as indicating any lack of respect or gratitude.’

Tynwald’s social affairs policy review committee will investigate the DHSC’s handling of the decision.

Leonard Singer will give evidence today (Thursday) at 4pm. Mrs Beecroft will appear Tuesday at 11am.