More than 10,000 orthopaedic appointments have been cancelled over the last three years, newly released figures show.
The data, obtained via a Freedom of Information request and first published by Corruption and Poor Governance Isle Of Man, reveals that between May 2023 and April 2026, a total of 10,595 outpatient appointments in trauma and orthopaedics were cancelled by Manx Care.
The most common reasons for cancellation included “consultant unavailable” (2,202), “session re-structure” (1,942) and “hospital – other reason” (1,853).
A further 2,249 appointments were cancelled by patients themselves.
Admissions
For inpatient admissions, 251 were cancelled by the hospital before the day of admission, with 11 cancelled on the day. Day case procedures saw 114 cancellations before admission and 13 on the day.
The arms-length health body confirmed it employs four orthopaedic consultants, five specialty doctors, four clinical fellows, three international training fellows and one other orthopaedic surgeon.
Spending on locum orthopaedic consultants totalled £152,832.14 in 2023/24, with no expenditure recorded in 2024/25 or 2025/26. Bank consultants cost £84,920 in 2023/24, rising to £147,493.50 in 2024/25 and £376,248.33 in 2025/26.
Complaints about the orthopaedic team numbered 24 over the three-year period, with eight relating to appointments including delays and cancellations.