The average waiting time for routine non-obstetric ultrasound scans has reached seven months, with even urgent scans taking around two months.
Health Minister Claire Christian revealed the current state of the service to MHKs in Keys.
Comparing current delays to 2019, she said: “Average waiting times for routine scans have increased from 169 days to 214 days, and urgent scans from 24 days to 58 days.”
Staff shortages were cited as a key issue, with three radiographer vacancies, with one trainee due to qualify in late 2025.
At full capacity, she stated, a six-week target could be met.
Going Private
Responding to questions Jason Moorhouse, Ms Christian confirmed that just 2.3% of scans—about 380 patients—had gone private in the last financial year, though Manx Care does not record whether they were originally on NHS lists.
Julie Edge questioned private scan arrangements, asking if they used NHS resources. The Minister replied, “I would have to confirm… it is only 2.3%,” before proceedings moved on.
Julie Edge raised significant concerns about private scan arrangements, asking: “Who is carrying these out? Are employees that we’re very short of being used?
“I’m just concerned that there is possibly putting people into the private sector.”
She pressed further: “When do private scans take place, and are they taking place with our equipment in our buildings?”
Ms Christian only provided limited clarity, saying “I understand it is Manx Care private patients administration teams that do undertake that. It is only 2.3%. I would have to confirm with the honourable member in terms of is it taking up valuable time and space?”
Tracking delays remains a challenge, with Ms Christian acknowledging: “Manx Care are currently unable to track a patient’s full waiting time from referral to treatment.”
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